A Journey Through Time: Reflecting on My Training Days in Wellington

I recently returned from PLD sessions in Wellington. It involved delving into New Zealands history through the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti and engaging in hands on science activities. Let me walk you through what happened!

On Day 1 we had a session on the Treaty of Waitangi led by Daniel at the National Library of New Zealand. Daniel, an educator guided us through the exhibits at the library.

Examining the documents of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the Women’s Suffrage Petition up close was truly remarkable. These documents hold more, than significance; they embody New Zealands past and essence. They mark junctures in our evolution towards an inclusive, fair and united country.

Daniels reflections on the enduring relevance of the Treaty highlighted our responsibility as educators to help students grasp and value these documents effectively. It served as a reminder of the duty we have in connecting the past with the present making sure that the core values of collaboration, safeguarding and involvement highlighted in the Treaty are evident, in our settings.

Days 2 4; Exploring Science Skills with Dayle and Brigette

The next few days were focused on improving our science teaching skills under the guidance of our mentors, Dayle and Brigette. Their passion for science education was contagious by simplifying the concepts of data collection and analysis well as utilizing evidence to make them accessible and interesting.

Through hands on experiments and interactive sessions we delved into the fundamentals of investigation. We grasped the importance of making observations distinguishing between observation and inference and supporting hypotheses with evidence. These activities aimed not at knowledge acquisition but at instilling a scientific approach to thinking and questioning that is vital for educators and students alike.

This comprehension is essential for nurturing literacy and inquisitiveness among our students equipping them to navigate a world where science plays a role in addressing global issues.

My return, from Wellington left me feeling motivated and better informed. I feel better prepared and enthusiastic, about integrating the Treatys principles into my teaching and nurturing a passion for science, among my students.