1 minute read
Teaching Within Academic: Mark
Individual Context:
As a student Mark had a very bad experience and unfortunately decided to not complete his PhD at University due to experiencing racism. He went on to set up a successful graphic design business which is recognised worldwide and internationally. He has won multiple awards for his contribution to the creative arts sector. Mark always felt he could contribute significantly to students learning but had been put off by their own experiences of being a student.
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Teaching Within Programme:
After a conversation with Aisha, Mark opted to apply for the programme. Determined to make a difference to student experiences. He was placed on a course which had some relevance to his area of expertise. He was able to engage the students with many of the students requesting him to continue teaching beyond the programme. The course where Mark was placed on, unfortunately, the course leader was very destructive and was not supportive. Through ongoing support provided by the Teaching Within team, Mark was employed by another department and is now a part-time hourly paid lecturer.
It was great to be placed on a course that directly relates to my practice. However I have felt there has been some resistance from the course leader and others as to my presence through both actions and words. The students’ feedback on my teaching content and delivery has been extremely encouraging which they have recorded in written feedback. The students, Shades of Noir team and Deans have been so supportive and encouraging that I was not just able to stand up for myself with the course leader, who has now apologised for both themselves and colleagues but I have grown in confidence beyond what I thought possible and found out that I love teaching.
