Embarking on the journey of studying Theories, Policies, and Practices Unit as part of my PGCert in Academic Teaching at Higher Education at UAL has been a transformative experience. This unit has provided me with a rich foundation of knowledge and insights that have profoundly influenced my understanding of pedagogy and educational practices. The Key highlights for this unit were:
- Workshop Reflection: The workshop on Learning Outcomes in Art & Design was a pivotal moment in my learning journey. Engaging in discussions and activities surrounding outcome-based learning design opened my eyes to the importance of clearly articulating learning objectives and aligning them with student learning outcomes. It highlighted the need for flexibility and adaptability in designing curriculum and assessments that cater to diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Micro Teaching Session: Conducting a micro teaching session provided me with a hands-on opportunity to apply the concepts and principles learned in the unit. It allowed me to experiment with different teaching strategies and techniques, while also receiving constructive feedback from my peers and tutor. This experience was invaluable in refining my teaching practice and enhancing my confidence as an educator.
- Teaching Observations: Being observed by both my peers and my tutor provided valuable insights into my teaching strengths and areas for improvement. It allowed me to reflect on my teaching style, classroom management skills, and ability to engage students effectively. The feedback received during these observations was instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching and guiding my professional development as an educator.
- Learning to Write Blog Posts: Learning to write reflective blog posts has been an essential component of my journey in this unit. Through practice and guidance, I have honed my skills in articulating my thoughts and reflections in a coherent and engaging manner. Writing blog posts has enabled me to critically reflect on my learning experiences, share insights with my peers, and contribute to meaningful discussions in the academic community.
- Writing Case Studies: Additionally, learning to write case studies has provided me with a valuable tool for documenting and analysing educational practices and experiences. By writing case studies, I have been able to explore real-life scenarios, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose effective strategies for addressing them. This process has deepened my understanding of pedagogical concepts and enhanced my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical teaching contexts.
In conclusion, studying Theories, Policies, and Practices has been an enriching and rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with such thought-provoking content and to collaborate with my peers in exploring innovative approaches to academic teaching. As I look to the future, I am excited to apply the knowledge and insights gained from this unit in my teaching practice, striving to create inclusive, engaging, and student-centred learning environments that empower learners to thrive.
Through reflection on my journey in this unit, I am reminded of the importance of embracing lifelong learning with returning to studying myself and remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. I am confident that the lessons learned from studying this unit will continue to inform and inspire my practice as an educator, guiding me to make a positive impact in the lives of my students.