Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment 1

This course introduces students to the foundations of curriculum, pedagogy, curriculum content, and assessment within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and focuses on foundational teaching capabilities. Students will explore the interconnected nature of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and learning, and develop an understanding of how ākonga learn and develop across diverse educational contexts. Students will engage with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Standards for the Teaching Profession (2026) and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Drawing on the science of learning, human development, and evidence-informed teaching practices, students will examine how learning environments can be designed to promote engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and achievement. Particular attention will be given to literacy and numeracy as foundational capabilities, learner diversity, culturally sustaining practice, and the creation of safe and inclusive learning environments.
Students will develop competence in planning for learning, assessment for learning, classroom management, and reflective professional practice. Through micro-teaching, case studies, and contextualised learning design tasks, students will begin to connect theory and research to authentic teaching situations in preparation for professional practice placements.