Teachers Taking Leave For Research

News release from the Royal Society of New Zealand

23 May 2012

Teachers taking leave from schools to research science, mathematics and technology topics relevant to everyday life

Thirteen secondary teachers from throughout New Zealand are investigating topics as diverse as motorhome design, conservation sanctuaries, marine organisms in Doubtful Sound, sustainable building practices and the use of sea grass in gardening.

The teachers have been awarded Science, Mathematics and Technology Teacher Fellowships for the first two terms of 2012.

Under the scheme, teachers take leave from their schools to work with researchers at host organisations, gaining experience in research and practise.

The scheme’s focus is on providing teachers with the opportunity to gain new and up-to-date knowledge to enhance their teaching and their students’ learning.

The scheme is run by the Royal Society of New Zealand and funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The teachers selected come from schools all around New Zealand.

Richard Meylan, Manager – Education at the Royal Society of New Zealand, says the aim is to take excellent teachers and to give them up-to-date knowledge and experiences.

“The wide range of topics the teachers are researching show that science, mathematics and technology topics are relevant to many aspects of everyday life.

“Fellowship experience will help teachers deliver lessons to students based on real-life situations drawn from the work with their host organisation.”

Host organisations for this group of teachers include UNITEC, Massey University, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, Department of Conservation and Zealandia: the Karori Sanctuary Experience.

Successful applicants will have spent many months designing their project and liaising with host organisations. Selection criteria include the calibre of the applicant, the viability of the project and its relevance to their classes when back in school.

ENDS

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