Hi everyone!

Furman students arriving at the University of Auckland.

We started off the day with our first school visit to the University of Auckland. We bused over to their Faculty of Education and Social Work location where we were greeted by a team of their staff who welcomed us to the University. They gave a brief presentation on the framework of the University of Auckland, along with a general difference between New Zealand and the United States terminology within each school system. We learned that the University has about 42,000 students, with a school year lasting from March to November, so that they can enjoy the beautiful summer weather!

Introduction to NZ education system

Next, Maxine who helps with international enrollment gave us a tour of the campus which included a visit to the library and then a Marae. The fact that the University had their own Marae was very important and meaningful to the campus as it represented the Maori culture on campus. We were able to walk inside the communal sacred place if we removed our shoes to keep from tracking in dirt and out of respect. The University provided lunch for us as we listened to two separate presentations. The first speaker gave a New Zealand perspective on the importance of education and integrating technology in their learning with augmentation and games to improve critical literacy. The second presentation was given by our very own Dr. Kelly and Dr. Lipscomb who presented on “Exploring Multiple Perspectives Through Children’s Literature.” They touched on how technology can improve and bring in different backgrounds as a way of educating students to get more involved in their studies.

Students learning more about Marae

Our final stop was a classroom visit where we sat in on a 300-level education course where two former students, who are now first year educators shared their personal experiences about the transition from student teaching to becoming a full-time teacher. It was interesting to note the differences on how their classes are taught compared to the United States, but also how similar it was in some respects. Both were year 4 teachers who discussed their different classroom set-ups, lesson plans, along with the importance of mentorship and confidence within the classroom. We discussed their own personal experiences within the classroom and about the school system.

Classroom presentations

After our school visit we headed over to Mt. Eden, where we walked up the dormant volcano to a beautiful view of the Auckland skyline! Of course this was the perfect opportunity to snap some great pictures of the entire city.

Students climb Mt.Eden

With our first school visit complete, we can’t wait to see what the next few days of visits will bring!