25 years ago today I started teaching at what was then Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, or College of Cakes as the students dubbed it. I turned up on the first day expecting to have a nice gentle induction into the sessions I would be delivering only for my mentor to thrust a bunch of acetates into my hands explaining that she had a sore throat and was going home. I think that first session was on PR and as I slowly revealed each line of centred, upper case text to the sound of students furiously scribbling each word, and clearly not listening to any of my explanation while they waited for me to reveal the next line, I did wonder if I had made a mistake. 25 years later I am still in love with the job (well, most of it) and still trying to do better (one day I might even get it right).
What have I learned? What pearls of wisdom? Well, other people generally have better ideas, so steal as many as you can (or go to conferences and speak to colleagues who are happy to share). I’m not there to entertain, but I am there to engage (which can be entertaining). I’m not there to be the student’s friend, but a little kindness can go a long way. Students do better if they ask questions, so my job is helping them to work out what they need to know and giving them the opportunity to ask. Every student is different, as is every group, which is why just because something worked once doesn’t mean it will work again. Adaptability and flexibility are great assets. Buy cheap, buy twice. Sorry, got my lessons mixed up. Light fires, don’t fill buckets. For more ideas… well, you can always contact me directly.
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