Dr Jo Smith
Senior lecturer at the School of Arts and Media, Jo teaches courses about Māori and the media.
Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha
What are you currently teaching?
I teach a 300-level course called Māori Media which looks at cinema, television, radio, and new media made by, or representing, Māori. I also teach a 400-level paper called Media, Subjectivity, Identity which looks at how media texts, institutions and practices help shape understandings of selfhood and collective identity.
Courses include:
Tell us about your approach to teaching. What do you enjoy most about teaching at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington?
I promote critical thinking in my classroom. For me, a good learning outcome is to raise more questions than provide answers. I have a deep belief in the power of collective thinking and regard the teacher/student nexus as a dynamic learning opportunity. Being at university is a rare space for testing out ideas, for stretching thinking and for learning from others. My students help me become a better thinker and help drive my research too.
I enjoy working at the University because of my Media Studies colleagues. I work with some of the most passionate and gifted teachers there are.
What is your best piece of advice to current or prospective students?
There is no such thing as a stupid question and that learning to learn is the greatest possible outcome of university life.
Associate Professor
School of Arts and Media