Teaching and learning styles
Learn more about the teaching and learning styles in New Zealand
There is a lot to learn when you study in New Zealand, especially if you’re not used to Kiwi teaching styles. Here’s what you need to know.
Learning for the ‘real world’
New Zealand leads the world in preparing students for the future — making sure they’ve got the skills to turn what they’ve learned during study into jobs. We have a relaxed culture and Kiwi teaching and learning styles may be quite different to what you’re used to. In New Zealand you’ll be expected to:
• be responsible for your own learning and managing your studies.
• turn up to lectures, classes and tutorials on time and be able to keep up with English spoken in classes, tutorials and study groups.
• take part in class discussions.
• contribute to group work as well as complete your own individual assignments.
• do your homework, such as reading widely and preparing for any tests or assessments.
• talking to other students (international students and Kiwis) about their experiences
• visiting your place of study before your course starts so you know your way around and you feel more comfortable on your first day
• finding out what learning and support services are available on your campus and making use of them when you need to. Don't be shy! They're there to help you succeed.
• talk about your courses and assignments in tutorials and study groups
• ask your tutor for assistance or guidance if you need help – they expect you to ask and will be happy to have a chat
• remember it's OK to speak up in tutorials, it's expected and shows you're interested in participating
• find ways to speak in English with other native English speakers (join some groups on campus)
• make it a goal to improve your English language skills See our suggestions about things you can do every day to improve.
• talk to yourself in English (this might seem funny but it's a good way to practice your skills!)
• ask when you're not sure about something or don't understand.
Tip: It's likely that the teaching style and the way you talk to your teacher is more formal in your home country. In New Zealand, many tutors and lecturers prefer you to call them by their first name.
While they will talk to you as an equal, you're still expected to be respectful and friendly.
Your place of study must care for you properly
Your place of study must make sure all international students studying there are well-informed, safe and properly cared for. This is known as 'pastoral care'.
The New Zealand government developed the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (external link that opens in a new tab)(the Code) to ensure international students are cared for properly.
The Code sets out what your place of study must do to support international students like you. There are different requirements depending on whether your place of study is a school or a tertiary provider.
Check out this summary(external link that opens in a new tab) to find out:
- how you can make a complaint if you think they are not caring for you properly.
You can also get more detailed information about the Code(external link that opens in a new tab) from NZQA (the New Zealand Qualifications Authority).
Tip: The information in the Code (external link that opens in a new tab)can be really helpful to share with your family so they can feel confident you are studying in a place that will care for you properly.