“I decided to enrol in this
programme because it
allowed me to focus on a
chosen area in education
that I was interested in.”
“I also chose it for practical reasons as I could
study part-time, attend weekly evening lectures
as well as weekend lectures. This fitted around my
working life as well as family life.
“I chose to study at the University of Auckland
because it offered the widest range of educational
courses to choose from. I also got to meet people
whose research I had read throughout my career
and who I admired.
“When I first started on this journey, I thought,
‘How am I going to juggle all this?’ Work
commitments, two small children and study
seemed more like a recipe for disaster than
success, but I have found it manageable. It’s not
always easy but definitely doable.
“I have just completed the course: Critical
Research Methodologies in Education. This course
has taught me about what research is. It has given
me an introduction to a range of theories and
methodologies used in educational research. It
has challenged me to read widely and, in doing
so, has also challenged me to think more critically
about my own teaching practice. My academic
vocabulary has been broadened and so, too, my
knowledge around ethics and what it means to be
an ethical researcher.
“I would really encourage those teachers out there
who are thinking about furthering their education,
but not sure how they will handle the juggling act,
to attend one of the information evenings held at
the University as it will help them to put things into
perspective.”
Louise Zame is studying a Master of Education
(180 points). She is currently teaching at New Lynn
Primary School where she has been working for the
past 12 years.
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