Role

As the Senior Research Advisor Monica works alongside the Research Leader to support research at Te Rito Maioha. As a senior lecturer, Monica works primarily in the Master of Education programme, as well as supervising tauira through the thesis process and engaging in research herself. She is also a Kaiārahi (Course Leader) in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), supporting students as they work towards their initial teaching qualification, visiting students in their home centres and on practicum.

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Education Background

With more than 25 years in early childhood education, Monica was a kindergarten teacher before moving into professional development for other teachers. She then taught for 11 years at Massey University within initial teacher education programmes, degree programmes, postgraduate level study and supervision of postgraduate students. She has contributed to course and programme development, whilst leading practicum related courses.

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Research Background

Monica’s research interests include children’s transitions from ECE to school, assessment, planning, curriculum, intentional teaching, evaluation, gifted and inclusive education, the experiences of beginning teachers, supporting associate teachers, and leadership. Her Masters research focused on the need for cross sector collaboration to support children transitioning from ECE to school. Her doctoral research explored ECE teachers’ assessment knowledge, purposes and practices, motivated by her observations of the differing practices and challenges teachers face. Monica was also the recipient for our Outstanding Researcher Award for 2024.

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Teaching Interests

Monica has carried her commitment to positive relationships with whānau and tamariki in early learning into her role as a lecturer. She is passionate about building genuine relationships with students to support and respond to their individual needs and learning. She also continues to develop and share her own knowledge to build students and kaiako into knowledgeable and skilled practitioners.

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Recent Publications

CSmith, P., & Cameron, M. (2024). Professional learning to support effective leadership in early childhood education. In T. Carlyon & R. Merry (Eds.). Effective leadership in early childhood services and primary school education in Aotearoa New Zealand, pp. 85-98. NZCER.

Cameron, M, J. (2023). The collection and use of assessment information in early childhood settings. In C. McLachlan, T. McLaughlin, S. Cherrington, & K. Aspden (Eds.), Assessment and data information in early childhood settings (p. 61-78). Springer

Cameron, M., Aspden, K., Smith, P., & McLaughlin, T. (2023). “The curriculum just flows” – An examination of teachers’ understandings and implementation of Te Whāriki pre-2017. Waikato Journal of Education, 28(1), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.v28i1.1037

Carlyon, T., Cameron, M., Maxwell, A., Woolston, D., Hue Chew Kuen, J., & Ngadni, I. (2023). Early childhood curriculum comparison: Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia. Asia-Pacific Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, 17(3),1-20.