Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School - Michelle Duxfield

Name: Michelle Duxfield

School: Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School  

Region: Canterbury

Programme: Observe and monitor animals in environments

Host Organisation: Lincoln University

Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School values the importance of science as a key curriculum learning area. Through participating in the Science Teaching Leadership Programme (STLP), they hope to gain ideas and insight around science in action, to better inform and enhance science learning. They have a goal of embedding an understanding of the Nature of Science across year levels to develop scientific literacy and knowledge for all students, enabling their students to participate as confident and connected citizens. Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School understands the importance of teaching these skills through hands-on learning experiences that build student curiosity; developing an approach that values science as an everyday, real-life natural experience and a perfect vehicle to deliver all manner of learning through.

Michelle has 11 years teaching experience, during which time she has taught Year 7 and 8 students in both Auckland and Christchurch. She has a strength in the area of mathematics and has helped lead this curriculum area in the schools she has taught.

In 2018, she received a scholarship to complete Postgraduate Honours study, specialising in maths and science teaching. This was the beginning of her growing interest in science. In 2023, she was a participant in the Sir Angus Tait Science Teaching Enrichment Programme, where she began to learn more about the Nature of Science and started to lead science learning at school. Michelle is really looking forward to continuing her own personal learning as a member of the STLP this year and will then be better informed to be able to support her colleagues in this area back at school.

Michelle will be working in the department of Pest Management and Conservation at Lincoln University. She will have the opportunity to work alongside faculty staff and students during her placement. When appropriate, this will include participation in field and lab-based research, attending lectures and labs from graduate courses and interacting with students and researchers in academia.

On completion of this placement, Michelle aims to have a broad knowledge base having learnt new content alongside associated field and laboratory skills. She also aims to have a solid understanding of the Nature of Science in action to use this to underpin science learning and teaching.