Continuing Education in the Science Learning Center
The Science Learning Hub, a valuable resource for New Zealand science teachers, offers Professional Learning and Development (PLD) opportunities to support educators in their science teaching journey.
One of the key features of the Hub is the series of free webinars, which are designed to explore various topics and demonstrate effective use of the resources available. These webinars, some of which are recorded, provide practical insights into enhancing science capabilities in students. For instance, an online PD session from 2015 showcased how teachers might utilise Science Learning Hub resources to boost science learning [1].
In addition to webinars, the Hub provides over 11,500 freely accessible resources aimed at supporting science teachers in planning their lessons and teaching effectively. These resources can be navigated via topic or concept searches and can be incorporated into teacher planning [1]. Pedagogical supports are also embedded within the PLD offerings to help teachers adopt best practices in science education, such as resources aligned with science capabilities and specific science unit planning guidance. These resources aid teachers in designing inquiry-based and culturally relevant science learning experiences for students [1].
The Hub's Teacher PLD section offers tailored professional development that focuses on both content knowledge and science teaching pedagogy, including how to effectively use digital and hands-on resources available on the Hub [1].
For early childhood education, additional professional development webinars are available through platforms like The Education Hub, offering a range of live and recorded webinars on curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and leadership [2]. Broader New Zealand PLD opportunities can be searched via Education Gazette [3].
The Science Learning Hub website is a treasure trove of resources for teachers. Here, teachers can find unit plans and planning pathways, contexts for learning, learning from home, resources for building science concepts, support with building collections, and more [4]. Related content and activity ideas provide suggestions for further resources to use with learners. The Pedagogy section includes various images, videos, and resources, as well as pointers for engaging discussions, deepening understanding, and using resources effectively in the classroom [4].
Most webinars are accompanied by a slideshow that can be browsed or downloaded, and each webinar is saved as a video that can be watched at any time [5]. The Hub also provides links for signing up to its newsletter and contacting the team via email or social media [6]. Teachers can browse content to find resources that match their achievement objectives [7].
The Hub's webinars often feature collaboration with a primary science educator, and each webinar is timecoded, allowing for easy searching for specific content [8]. Some webinars delve into the psychology of how learners might develop ideas about science concepts [9]. The Pedagogy section focuses on applying resources in the classroom, with resources on forming connections, fostering belonging, and deepening learning [4].
For a comprehensive overview of what the Hub has to offer, the article "Introducing our PLD" provides more information [10]. This article includes links to Pinterest and social media, and a resource is available that delves into the psychology of how learners might develop ideas about science concepts [10].
In summary, the Science Learning Hub supports New Zealand science teachers by offering free access to a wide range of over 11,500 science education resources, online webinars focusing on science teaching and resource use, pedagogical guidance to enhance science capabilities in teaching, and tools for planning and developing science lessons aligned to curriculum needs [1]. The combination of webinar topics, planning, and pedagogical resources is designed to enhance science teaching practice comprehensively [1].
If you seek specific upcoming webinar schedules or detailed pedagogy resource examples, those may be found directly on the Science Learning Hub website under their Teacher PLD section. The Science Learning Hub team is always available to help with questions about Professional Learning Development.
Engaging in education-and-self-development, participants can leverage the Science Learning Hub's online-education offerings such as webinars and free resources. These materials offer insights into enhancing science learning and teaching, providing practical tips for science educators. Additionally, the Hub's Teacher PLD section tailors professional development to both content knowledge and science teaching pedagogy, empowering teachers to design more effective inquiry-based and culturally relevant science lessons.
