General

Mahi ā-kura | Practicum

The Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching programme has a large practicum component, which involves professional experience in education settings. The Teaching Council requires all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students to complete 16 weeks of professional experience placements. Practicum sits within the Professional Practice courses.

The 16 weeks of practicum on this course will be completed as follows:

15 weeks in school placements and up to 2 weeks of flexible practicum experiences. 

Professional Practice 1 Course (Practicum 1 is divided into two parts)

• 4 weeks for practicum 1A
• 4 weeks for practicum 1B 
• 6 Micro-teaching sessions 

In Professional Practice 1 - the flexible practicum week is made up of micro-teaching experiences specifically targeted at the development of pedagogical approaches and key teaching tasks. This is arranged by the kaiako pitomata at a setting of their choice by agreement and arrangement with the setting.

Professional Practice 2 Course 

• 7 weeks for practicum 2
• 5 days of focused practicum
• 2 Micro-teaching sessions 

In Professional Practice 2 - the focused practicum week is to be no less than 25 hours at a  setting of their choice with the aim to broaden their understanding of the diverse communities they are entering. 

The general aim of the the practicum placements is to give kaiako pitomata opportunities to apply, synthesize and extend their teaching skills through regular contact with ākonga. They will be expected to demonstrate their ability to manage a range of professional responsibilities under the supervision of the kaiako hāpai (associate teacher).