My name is Trudi Aspden, my pronouns are she and her. I am currently a senior lecturer at the School of Pharmacy and the theme leader for this group of talented and committed teachers. My background is a BPharm and PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from Nottingham University in the UK. I was also a community pharmacist in England and later in New Zealand for many years.

I strongly believe in the value of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning with respect to pharmacy education. SoTL provides a platform for improving the learning experiences provided for our students using co-design methods where current students help shape the education of future students. Critiquing the effectiveness of our teaching is also vital for increasing the ability of our graduates to make greater contributions towards improving the health outcomes of New Zealanders and reducing health inequities.

I have undertaken several mixed-method research projects categorised under this theme. These include the evaluation of a number of interventions aiming to develop transferable skills and improve the person-centred practices and cultural competence and safety of BPharm students and also to increase student engagement in classes. One project that I am involved in that encompasses all these areas is work with BPharm Academic Director Lynne Petersen evaluating student perceptions of the incorporation of Visual Thinking Strategies into the BPharm curriculum.

Currently I am involved in a project with fellow group members Angelene van der Westhuizen and Stephanie Yee and Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, at the University of Auckland, Dr John Egan.

The project is exploring the changes to teaching practices within the School of Pharmacy in response to COVID-19 restrictions and teachers’ views on the barriers and facilitators to introducing more blended learning into the School of Pharmacy programmes.

For more information on my research and publications, click HERE

For contact details click HERE