Dr Liz Ditzel

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Principal Lecturer, School of Nursing, Otago Polytechnic

"I love teaching and thrive on being part of a vibrant team of academics who are passionate about nurse education." 

Liz is a ‘new paradigm’ thinker with a “modern approach”, committed to student-centred and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. One student said “you command great respect from your students”.

Her practice mixes storytelling and immersive teaching with problem solving and critical reflection to build understanding, empathy and professional competence. Her innovative hands-on activities such as her “Klinky Box” promote curiosity and questioning, enliven learning, enhance understanding of abstract concepts and develop clinical reasoning. Liz uses technologies to maximise student access and teaching effectiveness.

She brings a wealth of experience to leading curriculum development projects within the School of Nursing. Her capacity to co-develop strategies, designed to meet the needs of learners with diverse abilities has earned her the respect of nursing practitioners throughout the country.  Liz is also a respected mentor, researcher and a research leader. Colleagues comment that “Liz is a superb teacher – has effective communication skills, is an engaging personality, an effective team member with a wealth of research expertise”. Another stated “Liz stood out for me as a mentor”

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Dr Liz Ditzel - Recipient of a 2017 Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award