STEM


OUR CHANCE TO BROADEN HORIZONS ON THE ‘SET FOR TEACHING SUCCESS’ PROGRAMME


Four lecturers talk about how they have benefited from an ETF programme which enables new teachers of science, engineering and technology (SET) to develop further skills and experience.


T


he SET for Teaching Success programme, run by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), was set up to recruit, train, mentor and support new teachers of science, engineering and technology (SET), with a focus on technical education. As well as helping to address teacher


shortages in those areas, the programme offers recruits a unique opportunity to develop additional skills and experience to bring to their teaching.


Here are some of the stories of those who have been on the programme.


ELLIE BENNETT is a civil engineering lecturer at


Stephenson College. She has a BSc (Hons) in architectural visualisation. Before teaching, Ellie was an architectural designer,


specialising in refurbishments, and she still runs her own business part-time.


“The SET for Teaching Success


programme appealed to me because it is designed for lecturers who work within the engineering sector. “The greatest benefit to me has been


an increase in my confidence to try new and innovative techniques in the classroom. Within a couple of months of starting the SET programme, I found noticeable results in improved classroom behaviour, a reduction in late assignment submissions, and higher student satisfaction.


“The new methods of assessment 12 AUTUMN 2018 • inTUITIONTECHNICAL TEACHING


I was taught helped me to see, early on, where I could make improvements in my delivery and production of resources. This positively impacted on the learners and their grades. “A good engineer is a good engineer, no matter their gender. In my experience, most female students in engineering (my dad is a design engineer) have close friends and family in the sector. “I do want to see more women working in the engineering sector and I feel like I am in a good place to support women entering the industry. I’ve recently had the opportunity to get involved in visiting schools to promote careers in engineering. “I’m currently completing my MSc in BIM (building information modelling) and integrated design via distance learning at the University of Salford.”


CHRIS FAIRCLOUGH is a lecturer in nuclear plant and academic lead for degree apprenticeships (Nuclear) at Lakes College and the National College for Nuclear. He is an


incorporated engineer with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) and the Institution of Plant Engineers (IPlantE). Chris worked in the nuclear industry for eight years with Sellafield Ltd.


“The SET Teaching for Success


programme has enabled me to communicate with a wider range of trainee teachers who are of a science


or technical background. During the SET project conferences, we all share our experiences and give each other advice about teaching practices and the PGCE. “The programme has enhanced my experience as a trainee teacher by giving me the opportunity to converse with fellow technical trainee teachers who are going through the same highs and lows as me. The range of guest speakers and the content that is covered really help to give the wider picture within FE. “I want to stay in FE for the foreseeable


future. I am an ambitious person and FE allows you to be ambitious. There is room to grow as a teacher, as a mentor, as a student and as a manager if you so wish.”


ISAIAH OGA is an engineering lecturer at Blackburn College. He is a qualified mechanical engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering and an MSc in energy


systems. Isaiah has considerable industry experience spanning industrial manufacturing, maintenance and operations.


“I have been thoroughly supported


by the SET for Teaching Success programme, and further exposed to the tools required and support needed to be a great teacher. The programme has enabled me to share good practice with colleagues and facilitators from different institutions.


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