Amrita embraces lifelong learning with PhD study pathway

After 12 years of working directly with children, university student and researcher Amrita Kaur is keen to contribute further to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector through research and leadership. 

“I wanted to enhance my pedagogical and theoretical knowledge, and postgraduate study through New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) allowed me to grow in my career and live my dream as a researcher, contributing to children’s learning in a more effective and meaningful way,” she said. 

Ms Kaur is currently a Centre Manager at a BestStart Educare Centre, and said that gaining her Masters qualification has supported her to develop her teaching practice through engagement with research and theory, all while studying at her own pace.

The study experience with NZTC Online, she said, is flexible, interactive and dynamic, allowing her to manage the different roles she plays in both her professional and personal life, while having the pleasure of being a student at the same time.

While studying towards the Master of Education (ECE), Ms Kaur, originally from India, was able to explore a topic close to her own heart.

“My Master’s thesis focused on the second language acquisition experiences of children of Indian descent in an early childhood setting in Aotearoa, New Zealand,” she explained.

“The study provided glimpses into Indian children’s language learning experiences in order for kaiako (teachers) to consider the best support for bilingual learners, while valuing their home language.”

Ms Kaur hopes that her work will serve as a starting point to open further opportunities for kaiako to explore this important area.

With her Master’s degree successfully completed, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Education and hopes to offer further research and insights to the sector.

“It’s really a dream come true for me. I have a special interest in supporting immigrant children and their families with consideration of their cultural and linguistic needs in designing the most suitable programs.

“Growing myself as an active researcher, I would like to support ECEC facilitators in achieving the best outcomes for young children.”