Dr Farah Shawkat

Teaching Fellow

Room: OBS 6.14a
Email farah.shawkat@otago.ac.nz

With over eight years of teaching experience both within and outside New Zealand, I have developed a profound understanding of how social and cultural factors impact learning. As a Teaching Fellow at the University of Otago, I actively contribute to the undergraduate teaching team, leveraging my expertise to enhance student engagement and success significantly. I embrace diverse learning environments and am committed to adapting my teaching methods to effectively meet the varied needs of all my students, ensuring a supportive and inclusive educational experience.

Teaching responsibilities

I am engaged in the teaching, assessment, and administration of BSNS111 and MANT101. In addition, I oversee the coordination of tutors and am responsible for the design and implementation of the workshop programme, ensuring an enriching educational experience for all participants.

• BSNS 111 Business and Society
• MANT101 Managing for Performance

Other responsibilities

I am actively involved with the Teaching and Learning Committee within the Department, where I play a valuable role in overseeing and enhancing educational practices. My participation includes overseeing the Assurance of Learning processes, which involves systematically evaluating and refining our academic programmes to ensure they align with established learning outcomes and promote student achievement.

I also work with the Pastoral Care Contact Team representing the Department of Management within Otago’s Pastoral Care Network, Te Whatuka Tohura Tauira. My goal is to foster open and supportive communication within my team. As a volunteer in this network, we share valuable information about resources and support services available for students. We strive to listen to experiences and feedback regarding student wellbeing, and we are dedicated to empowering our stakeholders by guiding them to the support services they may need.

Research interests

I collaborated on an Engagement grant project in the Department of Management, where I focused on culturally appropriate pedagogical approaches and communication. I am also involved in the National Longitudinal Study of Muslim Diversity and Flourishing in New Zealand. Through this study, I gained valuable experience in conducting longitudinal research and co-designing future scientific publications. My primary research interests encompass academic sustainability, education reform, culturally responsive pedagogies, financial management and risk management.