Students supported with valuable hands-on learning

For students working hard towards their dream of becoming a qualified early childhood teacher, hands-on experience in an ECE centre is an important part of this journey.

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)’s teaching programs provide valuable opportunities for students to participate in Field Practice throughout their studies – a prerequisite for gaining New Zealand Teacher Registration and certification.

Unlike theory-based learning confined to a classroom, Field Practice allows students to explore the practical side of teaching in a formal early childhood setting. With full support from both NZTC and ECE centre staff, students develop important real-world skills that connect to their course learning outcomes, and theory and texts are brought to life.

For Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) graduate He Jiang, the opportunity to gain exposure to different early childhood settings, age groups, teaching approaches and philosophies significantly helped to develop her teaching practice.

“I absolutely cherished the chance to work in various centres which were all unique in their own ways. I was able to apply the theoretical and conceptual knowledge gained from my academic courses which encompassed relevant concepts such as tikanga Māori and reflective practice.

“I learnt to apply appropriate teaching strategies for different age groups, develop my observation skills in gauging children’s interests and was taught how to effectively set up daily activities.”

Now working as a fully qualified teacher in an ECE centre in Hamilton, He is grateful for the Field Practice opportunities which prepared her to care, learn and teach as a competent and confident educator.

“The practical on-the-floor work I engaged in each week definitely helped to successfully shape me personally, and it provided a professional edge for finding a job after completing my qualification.

“It is so valuable to gain this experience before graduating and it really built up my confidence when it came time to look for a full-time teaching role.”