Na'i Mose Pulusi - Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners
Wanting to further develop her pedagogical knowledge, Na’i Mose Pulusi opted for postgraduate study in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners (TLDL).
“I saw that there were areas in my teaching that needed more support and development. When the opportunity was presented, I knew it was the perfect timing.”
Between graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary and starting postgraduate study, Na’i was working, spending some years teaching in Alternative Education in South Auckland, where she met some amazing young people who taught her the value of having good, strong relationships with one’s students.
“I then moved to a small primary school in West Auckland where I was able to experience what it was like to work in a modern learning environment (MLE). I later moved to an amazing primary school in Papatoetoe, where I stayed for many years, and where I also started my postgraduate study. Now I am at an awesome primary school in Manurewa, where I am finishing off my postgraduate study.”
There are many highlights, but the greatest for me was meeting, learning together and sharing with other teachers from different schools and year levels, and also the amount of knowledge and strategies that I am able to take away and incorporate into my classroom.
Na’i notes that her experience with the Postgraduate Diploma in TLDL has been challenging, but extremely rewarding at the same time.
“Looking deeper into the English language and focusing on what our English language learners (ELLs) may be seeing, feeling and thinking as they learn the English language is very eye-opening. I had to look very closely at the way I teach in my class, the strategies I use, the number of words I speak; thinking carefully about how much my ELLs are comprehending each day – it reminded me of the importance of knowing our learners. This was just small part of the course, but that alone was mind-blowing. It’s been such an amazing experience so far, and I’m glad I started."
For Na’i, studying TLDL allows her to be more proficient in her teaching, especially with her ELLs.
“It’s new ako that is added to my teaching kete not just for my classroom, but hopefully it can help those whom I work with as I begin to share what I am learning, both theoretical and practical.”
One of Na’i’s long-term career goals is to work as a learning support needs coordinator (LSC).
“This postgraduate study helps in that the theories we learned about were not only for ELLs, but for learners in general. I can see how theories and strategies can be utilized in the way we approach our learners who need more support.”
Her advise for anyone considering postgraduate study in TLDL is to be prepared.
“Be prepared to be challenged in your way of thinking and way of teaching. Be prepared to be challenged in your way of time management and academic abilities and be prepared to be a learner – a student.
“Sometimes we can come into postgraduate study thinking we know it all already, but this TLDL course will surprise you.”