Online teacher training in a class of its own

Hera McQueen was headhunted. Photo / Waikato University School of Education

Interested in training to be a primary teacher but not sure you can attend campus five days a week?

Although Waikato University's mixed media presentation teaching degree sounds more like broadcasting, it is in fact a flexible teaching degree option for students in the North Island, as long as they find a local school prepared to be their base school for the first 18 months.

Each week students are expected to spend one day at the base school, plus 30 hours doing readings and assignments, including online discussion forums. They also attend three one-week block courses each year at Waikato University and participate in a teaching practicum each year, concluding with an eight-week block in year 3 with students learning to teach the New Zealand primary curriculum with an emphasis on integrating research with practice, use of ICT to support learning and a commitment to biculturalism and multiculturalism.

There is also a Kakano Rua option for those interested in teaching through English language, bilingual Maori and English and total immersion settings.

THE GRADUATE

Hera McQueen
* 36
* Year 6 teacher
* Completed degree 18 months ago

I am teaching at Fairfield Primary School, where I did my final practicum. I teach Year 6 children (10 and 11 year olds). Decile one school children are so receptive. I love watching their confidence and ability grow. It is very rewarding.

I used to be an ESOL [English as second language] tutor at Nawton Primary School. I decided to train as a primary school teacher after I became pregnant with my youngest. The principal at Nawton Primary told me about the mixed media option and it sounded like the best choice.

The flexibility of the online approach worked well around my baby and family.

We were expected to spend about 30 hours a week reading, researching and doing assignments, including compulsory online discussion postings. It required a lot of commitment.

Each semester started with a week on campus attending lectures and receiving assignments and deadlines. During semester, lecturers were open to communication by email or phone to discuss problems and provide support.

But it could be quite lonely at times. Some students organised meeting in study groups; I did once.

We spent one day each week in an allocated classroom at our base school; Nawton Primary School was mine.

Initially we'd spend time getting to know the children and classroom routines. As time went on we were expected to take groups and start putting theory into practice. We ended up doing detailed lesson plans, running lessons, and receiving feedback and evaluations. My base teachers were fantastic but I believe a couple of students didn't have it as good.

Being in a base school all year gave me a full picture of school life and teachers' involvement in it, not just a snapshot. It helped me develop my ability to interpret, self-manage and watch students grow. I saw for myself what works for one doesn't work for everyone and there is no one method or approach to follow. I did my first practicum in my base school. My second year, six-week practicum was in an intermediate.

I was given three weeks of full control and my associate teacher shared a lot of the workload.

I believe I had the confidence to do it because of my base school experiences.

I think the hardest thing about teaching is to avoid becoming consumed by the job. It is a very creative job and you can keep working on things forever.

THE EMPLOYER

Rob Newton
* Fairfield Primary School deputy principal

Hera's energy and enthusiasm, as well as the hard work she puts in behind the scenes, is brilliant.

She is a superb teacher who has the ability to build wonderful rapport with the children.

We headhunted Hera. We saw her potential when she did her third-year practicum here, so we offered her relief teaching after she finished her course and didn't hesitate to approach her when a full-time position came along.

We've now employed two teachers from the mixed media degree. I feel the weekly involvement helps them get a good feel for how a classroom routine operates so they're better prepared. While I believe degree-oriented training has value, a better job could be done preparing students for the day-to-day reality of teaching, such as how to set up reading and maths programmes and how to deal with behavioural management and pastoral issues.

But I don't think anything can prepare you for that moment at 8.45am on the first day in your own classroom by yourself with 25 kids.

TRAINING PLACE

Qualification: Bachelor of Teaching Primary - Mixed Media Presentation
Where: University of Waikato School of Educatio, ph: 0800 83 22 42, email: teach@waikato.ac.nz; www.waikato.ac.nz/education.
Entry requirements: Completion of application pack, including written statement to support application; two confidential referee reports and a police clearance consent form. Interview generally required.
* Non-native English speakers require minimum IELTS score of 6.5
* Access to a base school is essential, as are computer requirements. Mature students preferred
Intake date: Mid-February with part-time options.
2009 course fees: $4416
2009 beginning teacher salary: $44,348