I have been at Northumbria University, London Campus, since late 2017 and I teach academic English skills. My main role is as Pre-sessional Programme Leader, helping students reach the English level required for their degree programmes, as well as developing their study skills and knowledge of London and the UK, and building their awareness of global issues. I am also Module Leader for Academic and Professional Development for the MA Luxury Brand Management programme, and I teach on a number of other academic skills modules.
My first degree was in Modern Languages (Spanish and French) at Cambridge University and then I did postgraduate study in Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading. I have a teaching qualification (RSA DipTEFLA) and am a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (Higher Education Academy). I am a mentor, lead reviewer and workshop leader for the Advance HE professional development programme at Northumbria.
I would describe my teaching approach as student-centred and task-based. I take a deep interest in the success and welfare of my students. I have always tried to be as creative as possible, not just in the classroom, but also as a syllabus designer and author, and even when producing examinations.
Among my pedagogical interests are: curriculum design, the use of content in language and skills learning, critical thinking and writing skills, British cultural studies and the philosophy of education.
I have been teaching for a very long time (!), including early periods in Spain, Italy (where I lived for five years) and Japan. I have worked in British higher education for about 35 years now, in a variety of professional roles (teaching, management, materials writing, examining, etc.). I have taught general English, business English and academic English at a wide range of levels, and designed and worked on specialist courses for teachers of English. I have also been a judge for the British Council ELTons Innovation Awards and an IELTS Speaking Examiner.
Selected publications:
Books
Articles in conference proceedings