• Login
    View Item 
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Education
    • Education Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Education
    • Education Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    The move to modern learning environments in New Zealand secondary schools : step forward or smokescreen?

    Bisset, Jo-Anne

    Thumbnail
    Share
    View fulltext online
    Joanne Bissett_2015-02-23.pdf (1.239Mb)
    Date
    2014
    Citation:
    Bisset, J.A. (2014) The move to modern learning environments in New Zealand secondary schools : step forward or smokescreen? An unpublished thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Management and Leadership Unitec Institute of Technology
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/2700
    Abstract
    To prepare 21st century learners for what has become known as the ‘knowledge age’ the New Zealand government is recognising the need to provide the flexibility of modern learning environments (MLEs), rather than investing in older school buildings (Ministry of Education, 2014b). In conjunction with the tangible elements of buildings, furniture and technology, there is also a major shift in educational practices and pedagogy integral to MLEs (Ministry of Education, 2007). Despite this major change to New Zealand schools, there is a paucity of literature into the perceived benefits, or otherwise, of the introduction of MLEs to secondary schools in the New Zealand context. This study examines the shift towards MLEs in three secondary schools and the changes in pedagogy that are occurring as a result of this change. A qualitative methodology was employed for this research, focusing on three New Zealand secondary schools, all MLEs. Across the three research sites, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seven senior leaders and focus group discussions were carried out with three focus groups. The major findings from this study indicate that a MLE is primarily concerned with intangible changes, enabled by the tangible shift to new, open, spacious buildings with on-going access to technology. The tangible changes alone do not define a MLE. The effectiveness of the MLE is largely determined by the ability of the staff and community to support and enact the intangible, pedagogical changes that are needed to establish their vision. This research emphasises the monumental change that is occurring in education and highlights the need for further research pertaining to New Zealand secondary school contexts. It also reveals the need for professional development of school leaders and staff so that they can manage, understand and implement such a significant change in their school communities.
    Keywords:
    secondary schools, modern learning environments (MLE), school buildings, classroom environment, architectural design
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    130106 Secondary Education, 120101 Architectural Design
    Degree:
    Master of Educational Leadership and Management
    Supervisors:
    Smith, Alison
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
    Metadata
    Show detailed record
    This item appears in
    • Education Dissertations and Theses [182]

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
     

     

    Usage

    Downloads, last 12 months
    517
     
     

    Usage Statistics

    For this itemFor the Research Bank

    Share

    About

    About Research BankResearch at UnitecContact us

    Help for authors  

    How to add researchOpen Access GuideVersions Toolkit

    Register for updates  

    LoginRegister

    Browse Research Bank  

    EverywhereAcademic study areasAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisorThis CollectionAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisor

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142