Teaching Within Academic: Marvin

Individual Context:

Marvin worked as part of UAL as a technician before commencing the TW programme. Marvin was placed on a course which he had no direct expertise in. At first, he was unsure how this would work out. This decision was one which allowed Marvin to try out new teaching methods and also learn a new skill set in the teaching context. He felt that the TW programme provided the scaffolding and extra support needed to succeed in the teaching space. Marvin was able to have to test to find out that he was dyslexic and dyspraxic and he was able to get the additional support via extra tutorials and the Teaching Within team.

Teaching Within Programme:

This was the best decision to apply for Teaching Within the programme. It has allowed me to learn new skills and adopt a teaching method which would be useful to all students. I have been able to use my experiences of being a student to improve and design a curriculum which incorporates disability at the forefront. This is a practical approach which definitely champions inclusive pedagogy.

The PgCert unit Inclusive Teaching and Learning has changed the way I think and feel about research, teaching and my own experience in education. It has brought understanding and provided me with an inspired teaching style. The fact that I am now teaching on a course subject that is not my direct field doesn’t faze me. I see now that I have transferable skills and knowledge, that can be transcended by an inclusive pedagogical practice that is meaningful to a range of students. Through the Teaching Within programme I now know that I really can make a difference and irrespective of the institutions reasons for supporting this it has already made some impact for me personally and the students I teach. I can now confidently call myself an academic.