Rethinking the Place of Relational Pedagogy in an Online Tertiary Teaching Space: A COVID-19 Response Case Study From Aotearoa New Zealand

Conference: The Asian Conference on Education (ACE2021)
Title: Rethinking the Place of Relational Pedagogy in an Online Tertiary Teaching Space: A COVID-19 Response Case Study From Aotearoa New Zealand
Stream: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Susie Kung, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Chris Jenkin, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

Abstract:

Literature indicates the rapid rise in the use of online learning platforms both locally and globally. This move was, and is still, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation outlines a current research project that builds on two previous research projects which captured both the students (2013) and lecturers (2018) perspectives on effective teaching-learning spaces. Both projects indicated the importance of the preparation of a place and space for relational learning. This includes the lecturer’s role in providing safe psycho-emotional spaces for critical, reflective thinking and the sharing of ‘stories’ in community (2018). This current project sought to investigate the impact of blended/online teaching-learning spaces on engagement in class and relational pedagogy. The Case Study methodology was used and data is collected through a one-off survey, followed by focus group interviews. Participants are second year early childhood teacher education students from two tertiary providers in Auckland, New Zealand. Initial key findings from both sites indicate that both the students’ and lecturers’ attitude and ability to master educational online technologies (EOT), impacts on the student-teacher relationship, interactions and engagement in learning. These findings indicate the need to prepare both the students and lecturers with the necessary knowledge and EOT skills to manoeuvre the rapid transition from face-to-face to online/blended teaching-learning environments. It is also proposed that such findings need careful consideration to bring about equitable opportunities for student success. This presentation aims to invite a dialogue on teacher education in times of rapid change.



Conference Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile

Comments

Share on activity feed

Powered by WP LinkPress


Share this Presentation