Learning

Whether you’re on-campus or online, NZ-based or international, you can get help with your studies from the Learning Support team. On the Nelson campus, we’re located in Te Puna Mātauranga / Library Learning Centre. On the Marlborough campus, you’ll also find us in the library.

Whether you’re on-campus or online, NZ-based or international, you can get help with your studies from the Learning Support team.

We can support you to

Get started studying at NMIT
Understand academic integrity
Improve academic writing
Use APA referencing
Develop research skills
Find library and database resources
Improve literacy and numeracy skills
Use English as a second language
Learn digital and computer skills
Understand assessments and assignments
Use successful learning strategies

You can get help in several different ways (like study sessions, peer learning, in-class support, study appointments), and through different channels (like email, MS Teams, phone, in-person). Take a look too at the expanding sections below for some resources that we think are useful.

We can also refer you to Māori Support, Pasifika Support, Equity Support, Wellbeing Support, or SANITI(external link) independent support as appropriate.

On the Nelson campus, we’re located in Te Puna Mātauranga / Library Learning Centre. On the Marlborough campus, you’ll also find us in the library.

Phone: 035395068(external link)

Email: learningsupport@nmit.ac.nz

Use the online form to request support(external link)

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is central to the learning culture at Te Pūkenga NMIT (as defined in our Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct policy(external link)). It’s important that all work submitted by Te Pūkenga NMIT ākonga must support the principles of academic integrity and the fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic matters.

Remember, when you’re using ideas and words from other authors, including those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, it’s really important that you give credit to those original sources by referencing them.

Academic integrity is a big part of the world of study, so here are some links which might be useful:

Academic integrity - NMIT(external link)

Academic integrity - Otago polytechnic (external link)

Academic Writing

For your assignments it’s important you know how to write in an academic style. Check out this link to our Te Pūkenga partner Otago Polytechnic(external link) resource to see what “academic style” means:

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory hosted by Purdue University.

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory(external link) hosted by Purdue University.

We recommend returning to these resources more than once, particularly when you begin your first assignment, and if you are new to academic writing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines

Find help when you’re in Moodle

Finding the right words

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to take someone else’s words and rewrite them so the idea still makes sense. Luckily, there are several tools that can help.

For example, try Quillbot and Wordtune for paraphrasing, a tool like DeepL for translating, or a thesaurus or phrasebank for more wording options.

Grammar, punctuation, and ESOL

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, human and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Over 17,000 self-guided video courses and learning paths are available to staff and students 24/7.

You can find login access links on the Moodle dashboard and via MYNMIT.

For more information go to How to use LinkedIn Learning(external link).

Literacy & Numeracy for Adults Assessment Training Tool (LNAAT)

Depending on which course you’re doing, you might need to sit a short online test to check where you’re at with reading and numeracy. At NMIT we use the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT)(external link) to see where your strengths are. If needed, you can then work with us to get targeted support.

If you're doing a Level 1, 2, or 3 course you’ll need to complete two tests: an initial assessment at the beginning/prior to the midway-point, and a progress assessment at the end/after the mid-way point of the course. If you score above Step 4 Reading or above Step 5 for Numeracy, you don’t need to do the second assessment.

If you’re enrolled in ESOL or a supported training/vocational studies programme, you’ll need to complete a Starting Points assessments for reading and listening.

If you’re enrolled in a course that’s Level 4 and above, you don’t need to sit a test.

For further information, contact: library@nmit.ac.nz

Referencing tools

So that you can give credit to the original writers of the ideas and words that you use in your assignments, you need to learn how to reference. There are lots of different referencing styles, and here at NMIT we mostly use the APA style.

Use the links below to get examples of how to reference correctly, or download Zotero (free!) and let the software do the work for you.

Referencing guides APA 7 - NMIT(external link)

Citefast (external link)

APA Interactive tool - Massey University(external link)

Zotero - NMIT(external link)

Meet the team

Our Equity Team also provide learning support.

Angela McLean BPhty, GDip ALT, PhD, Study Support Co-Ordinator:

Kia ora, ko Angela tōku ingoa. I'm Angela and I work in the study support team. I have lots of experience working with students and staff from all over the world, in different subjects and at different levels. If you need to improve your writing, figure out your assignment, understand some feedback, or just get a friendly perspective on how to sort out being stuck, let me know – together we'll find someone in our team who can help.

Haley Hawkins, BA(Chem), PGDip (Edu), Study Support Advisor, Marlborough:

Greetings. I enjoy helping students with their learning. I offer assistance with academic writing, understanding assessment criteria, study techniques, and digital literacy. I often work with on-line learners through email and/or Zoom.

Marianna Deynzer, BCom, MA(Hons), Study Support Advisor:

Malo e lei lei! I'm here to support you reach your goals at NMIT by providing study support – study skills, academic writing, referencing, time management, understanding assignments, find good resources, help with maths. Or sometimes you may just feel stuck and overwhelmed with your studies - we can work together to get you in a good space. I run one on one sessions, group sessions and come into classes. I have studied at both undergrad and postgrad levels across multiple disciplines which is very useful when working with so many different students across so many different courses. Whether you are struggling or just want to boost your grades – come and see us!

Julie Bytheway, BA, GDip Tchg, PGDip SLTchg, MA TESOL, PhD Edu, Head of Learner Services:

Kia ora. I'm from Rotorua and Whakatāne and lived in Europe for more than 10 years. I left high school at 15 and later combined family, work and part-time by distance study to become a teacher. I step in to support students when staff are unexpectedly away. I specialize in teaching academic writing, study skills, and supporting peer-to-peer study groups. As a researcher, I use grounded theory to explore adult learning, autonomous learning, online learning, and workplace learning. If you have any feedback about student support at NMIT, just contact me.

Sharon Patterson, Dip Art Des, Student Relationships Coordinator – Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe

Kia ora, I’m from Hokitika, but have lived in Whakatū for most of my life. My kete gathers skills and experience from a wide variety of customer-centered roles (hospitality, legal, Public Service, tourism, arts, library and education). I'm also an NMIT Arts and Te Reo Māori graduate and have supported students in various roles at NMIT for more than 10 years. I enjoy connecting, listening and collaborating to provide what you need to thrive. I can also help you gain digital skills confidence and use assistive technologies. If you have any feedback about your study experience to share, kōrero mai!

Jan Egglestone - Library Resources Manager

BA (Music), Cert Library Studies, Cert Adult Tchg 

Kia ora – I am a librarian with many years’ experience working in tertiary and special libraries. I can assist with referencing and research support. My motivation to work in a tertiary library is to see students develop new skills and succeed in their chosen field, enabling greater lifetime opportunities. 

Don George - Assistant Librarian, Information and Learning

BA (Economics), BA (Library Science),  PGDip (Journalism), MA (Information Science and Archives Mgt.), MA (Anthropology)

My role primarily focuses upon library services. I can assist with library database searching, APA referencing, research support and open access resources. I enjoy helping users who find it difficult to wade through the library resources or find few results for their research queries.