Teaching with identity and integrity – a foundation for learner success

Associate Professor Kim Hébert-Losier is a Professor in Sports Biomechanics, Te Huataki Waiora | School of Health at University of Waikato

Described as “absolutely passionate and enthusiastic about her topics”, three core values guide her teaching philosophy: build a strong foundation; teach with identity and integrity; and be student-centric.

Kim ensures a logical progression within and between papers, and building a more positive class environment by sharing more of herself and whānau. She incorporates opportunities for whakawhanaungatanga from which she can build student interests and experiences into the curriculum material. As one student says: “You go to quite extensive measures to help your students to learn.”

Planning and organising are key to Kim’s practice, combined with interactive and varied learning environments. Her “no surprises” policy keeps expectations clear from the start; guiding effective scaffolding and step-by-step preparation towards assessment. This works particularly well for her neurodiverse and first-in-family students.

Kim constantly strives to improve her practice. One example is the development of a microlearning model, with interactive online activities and mixed-methods assessment strategies. Kim believes this builds resiliency within teaching and learning that is adaptable to future societal shifts and amenable to remote learning.”

Beyond the classroom, she engages daily with key industry stakeholders and maintains good connections to national and community organisations.

A colleague comments, “Her collaborative leadership approach and focus on student-centric learning inspire colleagues and students to achieve their fullest potential.”