Programme information
Professional practice

Ngā Paearu : Aims of the course

This course provides an introduction to professional practice in Primary school settings in Aotearoa New Zealand, through observation, teaching, critical self-reflection and evaluation of practice. 

Professional Practice courses are designed to provide diverse experiences across the sector specific endorsement age ranges.

Ngā Pūtanga Ako : Learning Outcomes 

Kaiako pitomata will be required to show progress they are making towards meeting the three practicum learning outcomes for Professional Practice, as below. Kaiako pitomata will be expected to show progress and development in these learning outcomes for each practicum.

Kaiako pitomata will:

  1. Demonstrate how Te Ao Māori is made present in their teaching practice.
  2. Develop and demonstrate practice that reflect the New Zealand Teaching Council's Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession.
  3. Reflect on and provide evidence of their professional growth in relation to the New Zealand Teaching Council's Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession. 

Progress towards meeting these learning outcomes will be tracked in two ways ; Professional Practice Tasks and Key Teaching Tasks. 

Overview of Practica 

The Teaching Council requires all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students to complete 16 weeks (80 days) of professional experience placements. The 16 weeks of practicum will be completed as follows:

15 weeks of practicum placements at schools

  • Practicum 1A - 4 weeks (20 days)
  • Practicum 1B - 4 weeks (20 days - return to 1A school)
  • Practicum 2 - 7 weeks (35 days) 

In addition to the extended professional experience placements, kaiako pitomata will have the opportunity of ONE focused placement week (5 days or minimum 25 hours). In Semester 2, there may be opportunities to choose community-based placements such as with services supporting learners with additional needs, across sectors to investigate transitions, and/or to experience a more diverse range of settings.

The addition of the focused learning week will extend the range of diverse settings that they can experience and include in the development of their professional practice. Assessment will examine their ability to implement theory and design for diverse learners in real and varied contexts. 

Leading up to the practicum placements in schools, kaiako pitomata undertake carefully scaffolded and supported microteaching sessions focused on particular pedagogies and curriculum areas. 

Prior to practicum 1A kaiako pitomata will have completed 2 literacy, 2 math and 2 science sessions with a specific focus on developing trajectories of learning, effective design for learning and development of big ideas in context.