Biography
Role
Gwen is the Programme Leader for the NZ Diploma in ECE (Level 5) programmes. This qualification includes the NZ Diploma in ECE (Aperfield Montessori); NZ Diploma in ECE (Home-based Care); and NZ Diploma in ECE (Pasifika) programmes.
Gwen is responsible for the quality and currency of programme content and delivery. She also takes a lead role in teaching and learning, as well as mentoring staff. She is actively involved in teaching and research to inform both programme content and practice.
Education background
Gwen has been involved in education for more than 30 years. She has held a range of roles including early childhood teacher, centre supervisor, mentor, lecturer, senior lecturer, area manager and programme leader.
Research background
Gwen is passionate about integrating theory and practice; the pedagogies of teaching and learning; and leading change for best practice. Her specific research interests include social and emotional learning; leadership and professional practice.
Teaching interests
Gwen’s teaching philosophy is founded on the concept of ako – teaching and learning with, and from each other. She is passionate about enabling diverse learners to make sense of theory in praxis and thus attain meaningful educational outcomes.
Recent publications
- Carroll-Lind, J., Davitt, G., & Pleace, T. (2020). Plaiting the rope. Developing social and emotional competence in ECE. In P. Towl & S. A Hemphill (Eds.). Supporting positive education outcomes for children in conflict and crisis: A Plaited Rope.
- Dalgiç, G., Ryder, D., Carroll-Lind, J., Davitt, G., & Smorti. S. (2015). Leaders growing leaders: Effective early childhood leaders for sustainable leadership. ‘Leading for tomorrow today’. In D. Garbett & A. Ovens (Eds.). Teaching for tomorrow today (pp. 256-265).
- Davitt, G., Carroll-Lind, J., Ryder, D., Smorti, S., Higginson, R., & Smith, M. (2017). Poutoko whakatipu poutoko: whakamanahia ngā poutoko kōhungahunga hei hautūtanga toitū: Leaders growing leaders: Effective early childhood leaders for sustainable leadership. Case Studies. Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand & Ako Aotearoa-National Centre for Tertiary Excellence.
- Davitt. G., & Ryder, D. (2018). Dispositions of a responsible early childhood leader: Voices from the field. Journal of Educational Leadership, Policy and Practice, 33(1), 16-29.