Class trip to AUT
Level: Year 13
School: Rangitoto College
Teacher: Gill Hedworth
Category: Teaching Strategy
In the first week of the school year Gill Hedworth takes her Year 13 Food Technology class on a visit to the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Gill first tried this strategy when teaching in the UK and it proved an effective way to emphasise the academic aspect of her subject, and show students (and parents) that there is more to Food Technology than cooking. By demonstrating a clear pathway to university and careers in Technology she aims to inspire some students to pursue tertiary study in food.
For the AUT visit, the students make their own way into the city after school and meet Gill at the university. They begin with a tour of the library where they learn about some of the resources there – journals, reference books and magazines, and how to use the computer catalogue to find information. Gill says that students are absolutely amazed at the research they see and that it's not just from New Zealand but around the world. "It raises the profile of the whole subject when students realise that it's studied at university and at a much higher level – for example, someone doing a PhD on an aspect of meat, and they're really gobsmacked by that. It's a superb way to get them involved and realising what the future could hold for them if they try hard."
Each student then carries out their own research for their project – such as an investigation of their target market, market management or hygiene issues – and is expected to bring back two pieces of relevant information.
The class looks at food marketing resources as well as food product development, and Gill says this is when they really appreciate that Food Technology is about more than food and the important role that marketing plays.
After a visit to a city restaurant for a meal (students bring their own money for this) the evening concludes at 10pm.
Gill says that the students really enjoy the trip because it opens their eyes to the next stages in Food Technology, and they find information at a higher level for their own projects. "It raises their self esteem and their enthusiasm for their own project, because they realise that what they're doing is actually important, that they are developing a new food product for the world. It also improves their understanding of the social/ethical aspects of Food Technology."
Student Reflections
"I thoroughly enjoyed this visit. It gave me an insight into what the university library is like and better research skills."
"The trip allowed us access to a much greater variety of information than was available in the school library. The visit was beneficial because it gave us insight into the working of a university library and helped us find more information in our research."
"The AUT trip was really helpful and gave me useful information which I used in my NCEA projects. It was good to have the opportunity to use a wider variety of books than those available at school. I found some good information on food safety practices. The AUT library staff were very helpful and the trip was enjoyable"
"This gave me a broader view of Technology and a much wider variety of research. I also really enjoyed being at the library."
