Teaching

After completing my Chemistry degree, I trained to be a qualified teacher (PGCE in secondary science). I worked as a supply teacher and teaching assistant for a couple of years, then joined Sheffield University where I taught non-traditional undergraduate students and Masters-level Education students, including supervision of MA Education dissertations. I spent seven years as the module convenor for Maths and Statistics and Foundations of Chemistry (Core and Further) modules in the Department for Lifelong Learning at the University of Sheffield. Following this, I joined the School of Education at Durham University as a Lecturer in Education for three years where I taught research methods and educational technology.

I use a variety of methods for teaching. I developed a supported flipped learning model for teaching maths, which was successfully adapted to online distance teaching during the pandemic. I enjoy combining traditional teaching materials (because who doesn’t love a bit of chalk?) and learning technologies for an interactive classroom. My chemistry teaching was also supported by practical lab sessions, where we made things change colour and set things on fire!