About the School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice

LDPP focuses on teaching and research related to learning, teaching, teacher education, professional practice, childhood studies, educational psychology and leadership

Nau mai haere mai.

Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Taloha ni, Ni Hau, Chào, Ahoj.

A warm welcome to the School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice (LDPP).

We focus on research and teaching in the following areas:

• Educational, developmental, and social psychology
• Learning, teaching, and assessment
• Educational leadership
• Teacher learning and development
• Early Childhood and Childhood Studies
• The professional practice of teaching

With more than 40 academic staff contributing to teaching, research and leadership, we have a strong local, national and international reputation. Much of the research in LDPP is focused on investigating and informing practice. Our school also houses over 70 Doctoral Students.

Our faculty has expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. These research methods give rise to substantial innovative national and international research and professional development contracts. School research focuses on real-world problems, investigating issues identified in our communities.

LDPP is also home two major programmes: the Educational Leadership postgraduate qualifications and the Early Childhood Studies undergraduate degree. Academic staff also make significant contributions to teaching and supervision in teacher education and liberal arts programmes at both the undergraduate and the postgraduate level, including both PhD and EdD pathways.

Our teaching and supervision demonstrate innovation through the use of multimodal pedagogies and a commitment to creating vibrant learning for a diverse range of students, including a commitment to supporting Māori and Pāsifika student success. Our dedication to high quality teaching, learning, and research is facilitated and complemented by high quality professional administrative staff.

We are responsive to our students and professional communities, building positive relationships, disseminating research and fostering debate that will benefit society. We anticipate that you will be challenged, inspired and learn from your engagement with our dynamic and diverse teaching and research community.

We look forward to seeing you in a course or at one of our School, Faculty of Education and Social Work, or University events

Ngā mihi nui

A/Professor Marek Tesar, PhD
Head of School