Here I go again, diving headfirst into being a student once more. This time my student journey is about taking my role as an employability educator at UAL to the next level.
I come to the world of employability support at UAL wearing a couple of well-worn hats. My MA in Culture Industry from Goldsmiths gave me a deep understanding of the creative landscape, while my PgCert in Coaching equipped me with powerful tools for guiding students towards their career goals. But I craved an even stronger grounding in the art of teaching itself, so when the opportunity to develop my teaching practice arose I couldn’t say no.
That’s where the PgCert in Academic Practice from UAL comes in, a step towards becoming a more nuanced and impactful educator. Here’s what I’m hoping to achieve:
1. Supercharge my teaching practice: Let’s face it, employability skills aren’t always the easiest concepts to teach. We’re navigating complex personal identities, tangled career paths, and a constantly evolving job market. This course promises to equip me with the latest pedagogical approaches, learning design models, and strategies specifically tailored to arts and design students’ unique needs.
2. Deepen my understanding of learning: It’s not enough to simply know the subject matter – I need to become a master facilitator of learning itself. The PgCert delves into the psychology of learning, the power of feedback, and the importance of inclusivity. By understanding how our students learn best, I can tailor my approach to unlock their full potential.
3. Build a community of practice: Being an employability educator in an extra-curricular setting can sometimes feel like flying solo. This course throws me into a network of passionate colleagues all grappling with the same joys and challenges. I can’t wait to share experiences, swap ideas, and learn from each other’s diverse perspectives.
4. Enhance student support: Ultimately, every step I take in my professional development has one goal – to better support my students. With a more robust teaching toolkit and a deeper understanding of the learning process, I can provide them with even more effective guidance, resources, and support as they navigate their journeys into the creative economy.
This PgCert won’t magically transform me into the world’s leading employability educator. But it’s a step in the right direction, a commitment to continual improvement, and a chance to develop my work.