Study Skills and Research Skills For University
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Since completing my postgraduate studies I have worked exclusively within the Higher Education sector to provide tailored Study Skills support to students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and specific educational needs (SEN). Most recently I have taught Study and Research Skills as an academic subject to whole cohorts of international students progressing on entry routes into UK Higher Education.
In the course of this work, I have had the pleasure of working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds and situations, which has only helped me develop my techniques and approaches to making Higher Education as accessible as possible and understand the various barriers that different students encouter to academic success, particularly now when HE is being faced with dramatic changes and financial instability, pressures which are being felt by students.
In my work, I make it my goal to ensure that each and every one of my students feel safe and secure in their learning while they are with me, forming my classes around clear guidelines for mutual respect and openness of communication, in order to foster a sense of community and belonging, while still upholding the policies and regulations of the institutions that I represent in terms of Academic Integrity, UKVI guidelines, and anti-discrimination policies.
January 2023 - August 2024: INTO University of Stirling, Stirling. - Study Skills & Research Skills Teacher.
Employed in a full-time subject teaching capacity for international students on the Joint Venture pathways into the University of Stirling. This role required specialist knowledge of my own subject, as well as in-depth awareness of the wider policies and practices of the University of Stirling and UKVI regulations, in order to deliver teaching, develop both synchronous and asynchronous materials, design appropriate formative and summative assessments and actively participate in the development of the curriculum to ensure students are well prepared for the UK HE system. Outside of my own subject specific responsibilities, I took on the additional responsibilities of:
- In-Sessional Support Teacher: Worked to provide tailored Study Skills workshop classes to enrolled students of:
July 2019 – August 2022: Clear Links Support Ltd: Sheffield. - Study Skills Tutor:
Employed on a contract basis with Clear Links to provide one-to-one study skills tuition to students at UK institutions. This work involved working with students at all levels, ranging from early undergraduate to continuing postgraduate and assisting them to develop their abilities in exam preparation, academic writing, assignment planning and production, research skills, proofreading, editing, critical thinking as well as any other areas of academic concern raised by the individual student.
October 2018 – 2023/Present: University of Stirling Accessibility and Inclusion Services (Multiple Positions).
- Study Skills Tutor: Employed on a contract basis by the University to work on an individual basis with students from all academic levels, but who feel they need help developing their academic skills. Primarily this work involves developing assignment preparation, time management, editing and critical skills, academic writing, proof-reading, research and correct referencing.
- Personal Learning Assistant (P.L.A) (Until January 2023): Employed on a contract basis by the University to work with students who identified as having an SpLD which impacted upon their ability to make the most of and complete their studies. The work ranged from providing in-person assistance for individuals with physical impairment, to offering emotional and mental support both in and out of class, while aditionally taking notes on behalf of or alongside students to further aid their studying. These notes were later typed up to a high standard of academic English and provided to the student as soon as possible after the lecture.
- Accessible Materials Reformatter (Until January 2023): Worked with the Accessible Formats team to provide visually impaired students with accessible pdf files or recordings of necessary textbooks, readings and research papers. This position involved knowledge of various platforms and associated software, specifically Kurzweil 3000, Abby as well as Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Word.
September 2013 – September 2017: Stadtschulrat für Wien, Vienna, Austria - Native Speaker Teacher:
Employed by the European Office who place Native English speakers in schools across Vienna to provide children of all ages with cultural knowledge and language lessons in preparation for higher education. Specifically worked in two schools, both of an elementary level, with children ranging from 5 to 8 years old, teaching them basic spoken and written English as well as providing cultural lessons on English speaking countries. Also actively contributed to the general running and day to day requirements of the schools, as well as assisted in extra-curricular events and projects.
June 2013 – January 2016: Berlitz Language Training, Vienna, Austria - English Language Instructor:
Worked with young adults and business people on a small group or individual basis to develop a working, practical knowledge of English and Business English. These lessons had the aim of allowing the students to communicate verbally in English in order to progress in their respective careers and education.
August 2023 - December 2023: University of Stirling/Advance HE, Stirling Framework for Evidencing Learning and Teaching Engagement (SFELTE)
September 2023: University of Stirling, Learning and Teaching Enhancement
Completed 110 hours of online and theoretical study and 20 hours of practical TEFL training in order to attain certification as an EFL/ESL Teacher with specialisms including:
