Interview with Janet Walke, Central Hub's Convenor
Last updated by: ccrews (Christina Crews) on 12 February 2010 - 9:54am
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We had the pleasure of interviewing Janet Walke, who not only has a valuable role as the Ako Aotearoa Central Hub Advisory Group (CHAG) Convenor, but has a very busy schedule at UCOL (Universal College of Learning) and in her dynamic private life.
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| Deborah Rolston and Janet Walke of UCOL (Universal College of Learning) | |
| What is your role as Convenor of CHAG? Janet encourages contact with providers within the region as well as overseeing the smooth running of the system that approves regional Hub funded projects. She has represented the Central Hub at Research launches and reported Hub activities to the Ako Aotearoa Board. Her role also includes attending Ako Aotearoa full staff meetings on occasions and over-seeing the everyday running of the hub in conjunction with Ian Rowe and Gordon Suddaby. |
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| What progress has the Hub made in 3 years? The Central Hub is a very active hub and her role includes contributing to: • the approval of regional research projects • CHAG group meetings by making meaningful connections across the sector • a Teacher Developer Advisors group who meet to work on ‘projects’ together • Ian’s networking and to provide a forum for talking about ‘best practice’ Also, it was great that Ako Aotearoa was the primary sponsor for the National Teaching and Learning Conference hosted by UCOL in 2009 |
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| What does your work involve at UCOL? Janet has taught at UCOL since 2004 initially as an Early Childhood lecturer and then as lecturer and Programme Leader for Certificate Adult Teaching. She is a passionate teacher who cares about the outcomes for students. As UCOL’s Leader for Teaching Excellence Janet promotes best practice and supports Lecturers in their role. She leads New Lecturer Training and is involved in the organising of the staff development programme. |
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| What do you do when you are not an academic? In Janet’s spare time she is an avid motorcyclist. In 2008, she rode through Alaska (up the pipeline road to Prudhoe Bay) and back to California on a six week ride organised by her husband and their riding friends. She is one of only a handful of women riders in New Zealand to achieve this. 2010 will see a ride from California to Wisconsin. |
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