ϳԹ Lecturer graduates with an MA to inspire and motivate students
When ϳԹ lecturer Ken Dicks crosses the stage at graduation today to receive his Masters in Equity and Diversity in Society, it will be another important stage in his personal learning journey.
Ken joined the ϳԹ (ϳԹ) as an hourly paid lecturer in September 2016 to teach Inclusive Education, Social Studies, and Advocacy. His background in supporting young people, families, and schools to address the impact of deprivation gave him a wealth of experience to bring to his teaching.
Little did he know that it would also inspire his own career path and a return to learning.
He said: “Although the move to teaching in Higher Education was daunting at first, the support of my colleagues and the feedback from students meant that I became more confident in my role.”
Ken was encouraged to further develop his understanding of the issues faced by individuals in society and, therefore, enhance his teaching. In conversation with his colleague, Associate Professor Caroline Lohmann-Hancock, he was encouraged to begin the MA in Equity and Diversity in Society, as a part-time student whilst continuing to teach full-time.
He said: “Studying alongside other professionals and students dedicated to the promotion of equity in society has further enthused me and has, I hope, enhanced my teaching by providing insights into many aspects of our complex society. Having passed the taught element of the master’s, I moved on to research the role that peer-led interventions can have in supporting students from different backgrounds in their journey through higher education and intend to use this research in my future support for such programmes.”
Ken has been able to utilise the knowledge he has gained in his teaching on the BA Advocacy and BA Sociology degrees and is now also teaching on the MA Equity and Diversity programme. He is also Programme Manager for the BA Advocacy and Sociology programmes.
“My progress towards the master’s was slowed due to a number of factors but I benefitted from the support of my colleagues in the team and in Student Services and am proud to have achieved my degree and look forward to utilising my learning and the network of fellow students that I have made in my future teaching, “ he added.
Associate Professor Caroline Lohmann-Hancock said: “Congratulations to Ken for gaining a well-deserved Distinction for his MA Equity and Diversity in Society Degree. Ken studied whilst being the Programme Manager for BA Advocacy and BA Sociology programmes at ϳԹ.
“He is now applying his knowledge and understanding from this award to support other students to advance their career opportunities and has also become a member of the lecturing team on the MA Equity and Diversity in Society degree.”
Further Information
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Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
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