Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch Earthquake. University student Sam Johnson organised through Facebook students to go into the suburbs to help residents clean up after Saturday morning's earthquake. They gathered in Halswell to help residents clean up the silt from their properties. Celia Mann and Dave White shovel dirt".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch Earthquake. University student Sam Johnson organised through Facebook students to go into the suburbs to help residents clean up after Saturday morning's earthquake. They gathered in Halswell to help residents clean up the silt from their properties. James Litchwark (L) and Tom van Laanen shovel dirt".
A scanned copy of a black and white photograph belonging to University of Canterbury alumnus Colin Lau. Colin describes the photograph as follows: "A shot of the float of a parade in the downtown area. I could still recognize some of the faces of my friends on the left taking in the sight and sound of the day. I do not quite recall the date of that parade; it has to be around the early 70's." Colin notes that the photograph may depict the 1971 'University Graduation Day' parade.
Science education research shows that a traditional, stand-and-deliver lecture format is less effective than teaching strategies that are learner-centred and that promote active engagement. The Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative (CWSEI) has used this research to develop resources to improve learning in university science courses. We report on a successful adaptation and implementation of CWSEI in the New Zealand university context. This two-year project at Massey University and the University of Canterbury began by using perception and concept surveys before and after undergraduate science courses to measure students’ attitudes towards science as well as their knowledge. Using these data, and classroom observations of student engagement and corroborating focus groups, the research team worked with lecturers to create interventions to enhance student engagement and learning in those courses. Results show several positive changes related to these interventions and they suggest several recommendations for lecturers and course coordinators. The recommendations include:1. Make learning outcomes clear, both for the lecturer and the students; this helps to cull extraneous material and scaffold student learning. 2. Use interactive activities to improve engagement, develop deeper levels of thinking, and improve learning. 3. Intentionally foster “expert-like thinking” amongst students in the first few semesters of the degree programme. 4. Be flexible because one size does not fit all and contextual events are beyond anyone’s control.In addition to these recommendations, data collected at the Canterbury site during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes reinforced the understanding that the most carefully designed teaching innovations are subject to contextual conditions beyond the control of academics.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd addresses staff and students in the Big Top.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd addresses staff and students in the Big Top.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd addresses staff and students in the Big Top.
Random act of kindness, a BBQ for students and staff on Arts Road.
Random act of kindness, a BBQ for students and staff on Arts Road.
A table showing the decrease in Saudi students studying in Christchurch since 2008.
Qing Tang, a UC Masters student and survivor of the CTV building disaster.
Qing Tang, a UC Masters student and survivor of the CTV building disaster.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd addresses staff and students in the Big Top.
The classrooms in Kirkwood Village, colour coded to help students find their class.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.
Students making use of the work and computer spaces in the reopened library.