Teaching Approach
My approach to teaching derives from my love of learning and of helping transform the way students see the world. The most satisfying feedback I have received is from students selecting a course because it was compulsory, but finishing the course wanting to find out more. I believe my most important role is to support students to think critically about what they are learning. I emphasise that critical thinking is built on foundations of knowledge and understanding enhanced by application, and I create environments where it is safe for students to “think outside the box”.
I have embraced the challenge of teaching online and developed capability in EdX and H5P so that I can include challenging and engaging online experience for my students.
I actively reflect on my teaching practice and over the years have developed a greater understanding of how to support learning. I believe that, in policy studies, students learn best by doing, so I endeavour to create opportunities for students to actively apply the theories and concepts that they are learning. I do this by incorporating real-world examples and case studies. In this way, students take ownership of subject matter, allowing them to be active rather than passive learners.
I am committed to providing a variety of challenging and interesting learning activities, supported by accessible learning materials. I tailor my approaches as far as possible to the diverse needs of the students. I encourage students to view assessment as a learning experience and believe formative pieces of assessment are important to build student confidence. I provide extensive feedback so that students learn from assessment exercises. I have developed assessment exercises based on ministerial briefings to assist students develop their professional skills (or employability), while still requiring that the exercise demonstrates sound knowledge, understanding, and analysis of issues.
I work to create a supportive teaching and learning environment within the workplace. For example, in 2017 I mentored an inexperienced tutor by explaining possible approaches, sharing learning materials and helping with any issues that arose. I regularly share learning materials and approaches with my colleagues and welcome peer observation of my classes.