Nick Liu

Name: Nick Liu

Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

For Nick Liu, who recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) program, it’s the big smiles, laughs and giggles of tamariki that motivates him towards gaining teacher registration.

“I really enjoy the time that I spend with the children. Every morning they greet me with cuddles and I love sitting down and telling them stories. It's always so rewarding to see all those smiling faces.”

Liu found the program’s flexible workplace learning perfect to juggle his busy schedule, and particularly enjoyed the collaborative nature of the Discussion Forums.

“The forum really gave me a lot of inspiration when I was on my Field Practice and working towards assessments. For example, not only could I contribute to the Discussion Forum, but if I got stuck on my assignments, I could readily find information and help.”

Originally from China, Liu is enjoying incorporating different cultures into his teaching through music.

“New Zealand is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and inclusive practice is a philosophy that upholds the rights of all children, no matter what their unique needs or abilities might be.

“I think waiata (songs) are a good way to incorporate different cultures into my teaching, children love to sing and they quickly learn different languages and cultures from songs.”

He enjoys helping children to be confident and competent learners and problem solvers.

“My teaching philosophy is that teaching children how to find answers or solve problems is more important than us giving them the answers or solving the problem directly for them.

“There is the saying: ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’. I believe children are confident thinkers, and it’s my role as a teacher to encourage and bring out this independence.”