Sunday 4 'til 8 for Sunday 18 May 2014
4:07 The Sunday Feature: The TED Radio Hour - Unstoppable Learning (NPR/TED)
Our minds and bodies constantly master lessons from our surroundings. In other words, we seem to have a natural inclination to learn. That is the idea behind this TED Radio Hour as it explores that dynamic experience of learning that begins in the womb and how recognising this essential nature will revolutionise the way we teach.
What happens when you stick a computer in a wall, three feet off the ground, in a slum without so much as running water? Sugata Mitra found that he had stumbled upon a new method of education, self-directed, with no adults around. He found that the children in the slum, who had little access to education, were able to teach themselves English and even biology just from a computer.
Science writer Annie Murphy Paul asks, 'When does learning begin?' She shares a startling answer: that learning begins not in preschool or kindergarten, but in the womb. Alison Gopnik then continues to examine the learning that happens during infancy — she finds that despite the drooling and baby talk, these little ones may in fact be geniuses.
And teacher Rita Pierson expresses the value of establishing strong relationships between student and educator. This begins by being a positive presence, constantly inspiring students to look towards their potential.
5:12 Spiritual Outlook
Our regular catch up with the world of religion, spirituality, faith and ethics – produced and presented by Justin Gregory, Lisa Thompson, Amelia Nurse and Mike Gourley alternating with series from the BBC's World Service programme, Heart and Soul.
5:40 Te Waonui a Te Manu Korihi
Maori news and interviews from throughout the motu (RNZ)
6:06 Te Ahi Kaa
Exploring issues and events from a tangata whenua perspective (RNZ)
7:06 One In Five
The issues and experience of disability (RNZ)
7:35 Voices
A weekly programme that highlights Asians, Africans, indigenous Americans and more in New Zealand, aimed at promoting a greater understanding of our ethnic minority communities (RNZ)