Head of School, Institute of Sport and Adventure, Otago Polytechnic

“I have a strong belief that in order to create connections to enable students to learn you have to first create relationship and you need to show generosity and uphold the mana of those around you to enable the learning to occur.”

Megan is an inspirational teacher, creating reciprocal learning environments through collaboration, conversations and applied contexts where students take ownership of their learning. A student wrote to Megan, “You have helped me achieved my goals in life to date and I think you are a wonder woman”.

Megan’s teaching philosophy is embedded in a kaupapa of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga; relationships, generosity and respecting the mana of learners. She places great emphasis on her course content being relevant to students; “I challenge learners to explore and make connections between the material and their experiences”. A colleague comments, “Megan promotes students as independent learners – in a supportive environment. She maintains currency in her discipline – which is always evidence-based”.

Her assessment methods seamlessly integrate formative with summative, using an applied focus with rapid feedback to students. Course evaluations are from students and colleagues. These are consistently excellent and carefully monitored for areas to refine. A student comments about course and teacher evaluations, “Megan showed she listens to us and we can make changes”.