This interdisciplinary course is an introduction to the relationship between education, society and change. It analyses the ways in which political and cultural beliefs influence children’s and young people’s experiences of education in multiple sett...

This course introduces the historical context for education in Aotearoa, beginning with pre-colonial Māori tikanga, the early contact period, He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the impacts of colonisation since 1840. It includes examples of Mā...

In this course, student teachers are introduce to te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in relation to the conceptual framework that underpins Te Whāriki, including the place of tākaro, or play, in te ao Māori.

This course provides students with an opportunity to interrogate the genealogies of indigenous and Western models of childrearing and the intergenerational transmission of languages, values and knowledges, including view of play and playfulness. Stud...

This course introduces student teachers to practice frameworks taught across the programme, including kaupapa Māori, curriculum and pedagogical approaches, and constructs of culture, criticality, professionalism and ethical practice. Student teachers...

This course offers an introduction to, and a critical analysis of, historical and contemporary theories of learning, growth and transformation across the lifespan, with a particular focus on young children and their education. The course examines the...

In this course, student teachers critically examine notions of curriculum and pedagogical practices in early childhood care and education settings in Aotearoa New Zealand, focussing on wellbeing, learning and growing through play and exploration. The...

Students will explore introductory notions of creativity including Māori, Pacific Peoples and Western conceptualisations. They enhance their own creative skills and attitudes by exploring languages, literacy, visual art, music, dance, drama, science,...

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An introduction to the history and philosophies underpinning early childhood care and education in Europe, the United States and New Zealand from the 18th century to the present day.

An introduction to past and present theories of child development with a particular focus on understanding the theoretical context out of which contemporary understandings of how young children learn and develop have emerged.

Why do you do the things you do? Why are some activities more effective than others in trying to achieve goals? What is grit and how does it relate to motivation? This course will address all of these questions and will help students understand what ...

How do children learn mathematics and how can teachers promote mathematical learning and thinking? This course explores specialised content knowledge; a knowledge of mathematical concepts essential for the effective teaching of mathematics. Learning ...

This course takes a lifespan approach to examining how people develop and learn from birth to death. It explores key milestones and changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social development; and critically examines a range of factors and conte...

An introduction to the skills and dispositions necessary for success in degree programmes at Victoria University of Wellington, including academic writing, critical thinking, resilience and sound study techniques and strategies.

This course will examine the neural mechanisms of learning and its implications for educational practices. Topics related to individual differences in abilities and translating research into classroom practices will be explored. Students will gain an...

This course explores current early years issues and debates in both local and international contexts. It offers opportunities to consider and critique a variety of arenas and strategies for equitable education in the early childhood years.

In this course, student teacher examine theori and practices for curriculum, assessment and planning, including kaupapa Māori and Pacific Peoples’ perspectives. They use multiple approaches and tools to gather information reflect on children’s divers...

This course examines the ways in which young people create meaning in their lives and in their school environments. It explores the influences that shape their understandings of the world and their experiences of being young in a rapidly changing soc...

This course supports student teachers to work effectively with infants, toddlers and their whānau in culturally and linguistically responsive ways, using different philosophical and pedagogical approaches, including indigenous Māori and Pacific const...

This course provides an introducation to key concepts, processes and methodological approaches to educational research. The emphasis of the course is on building research literacy and developing basic research skills.

In this course, student teachers critically examine effective practices for teaching mathematics, science, technology and languages to infants, toddlers and young children. They intentionally draw on pedagogical practices to enhance infants, toddlers...

An examination of the underlying concepts in indigenous education and the theories that inform current research practice. Particular emphasis is given to theories of ethnicity, culture, indigeneity and colonisation and their application to the New Ze...

In this course, student teachers explore specificities and commonalities across cultural communities. They develop a nuanced and critical understanding of their responsibilities, and pedagogical strategies, with regard to delivering programmes that a...

The course examines concepts, issues and trends in Pacific Nations Education with particular reference to the education of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand and indigenous education systems in the Pacific.

In this course, student teachers examine how intentional pedagogical practices can support young children’s social and emotional growth, competence and sense of belonging and wellbeing. Video is used as a reflective tool to support student teachers’ ...

In this course, student teachers critically examine effective practices for teaching oral and written literacy, dance and movement, music, drama and visual arts relevant to the diverse life-worlds of infants, toddlers and young children. They intenti...

This course examines psychological principles of learning and motivation in educational contexts. Key theories and evidence on learning and motivation are evaluated. This course helps students acquire evidence-based strategies for long-term retention...

This course examines child and adolescent development within an applied developmental psychology framework. Key theories and evidence on a range of issues and challenges that influence child and adolescent development is evaluated.

This course will examine the neural mechanisms of learning and its implications to educational practices. Topics related to individual differences in abilities and translating research into classroom practices will be explored.

This course will examine the ethical implications of neurophysiological interventions related to the education of students. Case studies and ethical frameworks will be used to assess the potential benefits and limitations of techniques such as neuroi...