Location: Canterbury

Email: learner@canterbury.ac.uk

Twitter: @EduLib_cccu

Profile summary

I am a Learning Developer, supporting students’ development of their academic literacy, and a member of the Learning Skills team. I first joined CCCU in 2012 as a part-time sessional lecturer, whilst I was undertaking a post-graduate Diploma in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Before becoming a Learning Developer, I trained as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and EAP (English for Academic Purposes) tutor and taught English in three different countries for over ten years. In the UK, I have worked in several language schools in the area as an EFL/EAP tutor, a Director of Studies and an Academic Director. During this time, I discovered a passion for research, which led me to undertaking an MA in TESOL in 2013. Through exploring the field of EAP (the focus of my thesis), I became familiar with Learning Development, and a job opportunity within the Learning Skills team at CCCU led me to Augustine House.

As part of my role, I offer one-to-one tutorials and deliver embedded academic skills sessions in all Education programmes of the Arts, Humanities and Education faculty. I work closely with Education tutors to embed academic literacies into the curriculum and support students’ transition into higher education culture, enabling students to reach their potential.

I am currently a member of the Research and Development working group of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education. As part of this role, I often review research project bids as well as take part in various research projects. My areas of research interest include: academic literacies, critical theory, academic practice and learning development identity.

Furthermore, I have a particular interest in Coaching and Mentoring: I have joined CCCU’s Coaching and Mentoring Network; I am a mentor to staff undertaking the University Certificate/Post-graduate Certificate of Academic Practice (UCAP/PGCAP) and the MAP: HE fellowship route; I am a qualified CMI coach and mentor. I have also joined the Mentoring working group of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education, and I am currently working on the implementation of a certified mentoring scheme for the Association.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, an ALDinHE Certified Leading Practitioner, and I am currently undertaking a PhD in Applied Linguistics.