FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Faculty of Education
Points of pride » Number one Faculty of Education in New Zealand for education research.* » First teacher-training college in New Zealand to merge with a university. » Home to the internationally respected Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research with recent international successes in creating a Science Learning Hub, and Biotechnology Learning Hub. These websites link research organisations and schools in a multi-media online approach to the teaching of science and technology. » First place in New Zealand to offer an online teacher education programme. » The largest number of doctorally qualified staff of any Faculty of Education in New Zealand. *Latest Performance Based Research Funding results when colleges of education and university scores are combined.
DR AI-HSIN HO Masters of Educational Leadership, Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) and Doctor of Education graduate. It has been a busy year for Dr Ai-Hsin Ho. When she was not dancing, her fingers were waltzing across a keyboard or she was on a plane to Asia. The energetic 30-year-old who recently completed a Doctorate in Education (EdD) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is a keen dancer. In her spare time she enjoys a myriad of dance styles ranging from traditional Chinese peacock dance, contemporary, salsa to hip-hop. Originally from Taiwan, Ai-Hsin immigrated to New Zealand with her family several years ago. Although back home she completed education and business degrees, she was keen to gain a reputable postgraduate qualification that combined these two interests. The Masters in Educational Leadership at Waikato suited perfectly and in 2003 she graduated with first-class honours. For her EdD thesis Ai-Hsin explored what creates a sustainable partnership between New Zealand and East Asian higher educational institutions. The title of her thesis is; ‘Educational Leadership for international partnerships between New Zealand and East Asian Chinese higher education institutions.’ For this research Ai-Hsin interviewed university leaders, academics and administrators in Singapore, China, Taiwan and New Zealand to explore the influencing factors that impact on such relationships. A Waikato doctoral scholarship and a New Zealand Postgraduate Student Study Abroad Award covered her travel expenses. The former business consultant says her thesis examines New Zealand education from an educational leadership perspective. “Higher education has become a fast growing export industry, but there is concern over whether educational leadership can be successfully distributed between New Zealand universities and their East Asian partners.” Ai-Hsin hopes her research can add thought to this debate. Her findings indicate one approach is to explore how leadership is distributed and resourced between educational networks. Ai-Hsin praises the Faculty of Education for the support she has received during her studies. She also enjoys the international perspective, campus environment and convenience of Waikato University. Now that she has just completed her studies she hopes to teach in a New Zealand secondary school, using her experience and knowledge to inspire young people.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO