Sharon is PCET Networks FE Champion this month!

FE CHAMPIONS OCTOBER 2006

SHARON NEY

Biography

Shaz is currently an IT and Jobsearch Tutor for a large Training Provider in the South.

Previously, Shaz was a lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Michigan for 3 years, a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Leeds, a secretary/ receptionist in an IT shop and a Post Graduate Tutor at the University of Durham!

Interview

PCET Network: What do you enjoy most about teaching adult learners?

Shaz:       Never having taught under 18’s I wouldn’t know what to compare it to. I like the experience more mature learners can bring to the table and share. It’s definitely more challenging when faced with mature students who don’t actually want to be here, think they have an answer for everything and are full of ennui. If you manage to turn them around it’s incredible and they’re very forthcoming in their opinions whether you do it right or wrong. Good feedback’s important and adult learners have a wealth of experience to base that feedback on so it’s usually good.

PCET Network: How did you become an FE Tutor?

Shaz:       Never thought of doing anything but teaching as a profession and when I left university it was post 18 education I ended up in. I never looked back.

PCET Network: Do you have any good advice that you wish to share with other FE Tutors?

Shaz:       Never, EVER give up learning. There’s no student that can’t teach you something, whether about the subject or yourself (at worst, how you react to difficult students). The tutor who thinks they know it all (and I’ve heard a few) is dead from a teaching perspective. Also, never make assumptions. I deal with clients from all walks of life including drug addicts and those recently out of prison and I find that, as a rule, if I start by showing them respect giving them a clean slate they respond very positively and take the opportunity to prove themselves. That said, a naïve tutor won’t last long so be prepared for disappointment.

PCET Network: What would you say to someone that is thinking about becoming an FE Tutor?

Shaz:       Be prepared for the highs and lows. Listen to your trainers and take what they offer but don’t give up your own style. Paperwork is now excessive and eats into your time for teaching (unforgivably, in my opinion, but there you go) but it has to be done, but be prepared for those incredible moments when someone gets what you’re trying to do and responds. It’s the biggest high on earth and while I’ve never done drugs I can’t believe there can be any bigger high than seeing that fire in a student’s eyes when they finally understand and realise the new horizons around them. That makes everything worthwhile.

PCET Network: Do you have any interesting hobbies or pastimes?

Shaz:       Ooooh boy. Yeah, I’m an American Civil War re-enactor, editor of the society magazine and official commentator at events across the country. I’m also a writer (fiction, but only academic papers published to date), adore my Science Fiction and do promotional videos for conventions or just my own entertainment. Totally addicted to Babylon 5 and, right now, to the new Dr Who. I keep pretty busy

PCET Network is pleased to introduce Shaz Ney as the PCET Network FE Champion for October 2006.