Nānā ka maka; hoʻolohe ka pepeiao; paʻa ka waha. (Observe with the eyes; listen with the ears; shut the mouth.) from ʻŌlelo Noʻeau, Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui
The Native Hawaiian approach to learning is based on the ʻōlelo noʻeau, or wise sayings, about the Hawaiian worldview and values, as well as lessons in behavior, protocol, relationships, land management, arts, and spirituality.
The following sayings make up the Hawaiian approach to learning:
Nānā ka maka (The eye sees)
For the learner: Observe the task to be done
For the teacher: Model or demonstrate the task
Hoʻolohe ka pepeiao (The ear listens)
For the learner: Listen to the instructions and any other sounds that clarify the task (wind, rain, ocean, or materials being used)
For the teacher: Not all instruction is with words
Paʻa ka waha (Secure/shut/fasten the mouth)
For the learner: Be silent and process the two steps above
For the teacher: This is the critical thinking stage
Hana ka lima (Put the hands to work)
For the learner: Learn by doing; mimic the teacher’s work
For the teacher: Observe and check the student’s work
Nīnau (Question)
For the learner: Questions may be asked only after the previous steps have been done at least one more time; twice is ideal
For the teacher: Send the learner back to the previous steps again to self-correct/learn by doing