NZTC India shares principles of Te Whāriki in Sri Lanka

Akshada (far left) with Marketing Manager Sanjay Jain (far right) and NZTC Global students in Sri Lanka

New Zealand Tertiary College students in Sri Lanka received a first-hand experience of New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, during a visit from the NZTC India team.

NZTC India lecturer Akshada Chitre hosted a workshop for NZTC students in Colombo about the curriculum, which provides a framework of principles and strands that support teachers in early childhood settings to work in partnership with parents, whānau and the community so children can develop into confident and competent learners.

“The workshop helped the students to learn how to apply Te Whāriki in their current roles as early childhood educators. Sharing their experiences and examples helped in creating a community of learners that benefited from the workshop as well as each other,” said Akshada.

Students who attended are busy studying towards qualifications ranging from certificate to degree level in Sri Lanka, with some planning to continue and complete their studies in New Zealand.

Having started their study journey with NZTC Global, students have the opportunity to follow pathways into higher level study with the college in New Zealand, such as the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), which enable graduates to apply for NZ Teacher Registration.

Students learn about parachute play

Savindi Goonatillake, who is studying a Bachelor of Education (ECE), said, “The workshop was really enjoyable and I learned a lot of new things. To name a few, I learned how to handle parents and students in difficult situations, different strategies of teaching, and about novel teaching materials.”

As an online student working towards a Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6), Ann Sachini Piumica Pulukkutty Arachchige Don found the workshop very informative. “We got the opportunity to learn about practical knowledge in the classroom and understand new things in the field of early childhood education,” said Ann.

“We enjoyed the practical experiences and now know how important they are for practice with little children,” said Pramila Rathnayake Mudiyanselage, a Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6) student. “We sang, danced, acted dramas and played, having fun while learning how to teach. I am very happy with the workshop.”