January 13, 2025, by bbztlg
If you get the chance, get involved!
Jamie Green, occupational health specialist and researcher of clergy health and wellbeing, tells us how her PhD experience has been enriched by her role as a “demonstrator” in Researcher Academy courses.
Embarking on a PhD, especially as a distance learner, can feel like a solitary, and sometimes lonely experience. For me, I have felt connected and part of a team by demonstrating on several Researcher Academy courses.
How I have upskilled
Prior to my PhD I had some public training experience, but I wanted to expand my skill set into higher education and gain a recognised qualification. After taking the Presentation Skills for Researchers course prior to presenting my PhD work in the US, I was flagged as a potential demonstrator (A course demonstrator is a postgraduate research student who helps other students learn in a practical setting.)
The demonstrating opportunity with the Researcher Academy couldn’t have come at a better time as it offered me the experience and vital hours needed to begin the process of gaining fellowship with Advance HE. I worked from 2019 to 2021 gaining experience through demonstrating on a variety of courses including Time to Write, Presentation Skills for Researchers, and Getting to Grips with Academic Writing. In 2021, I had enough experience and hours to be considered under the Nottingham Recognition Scheme for Fellowship with Advance HE.
I have continued demonstrating with the team throughout my studies which has provided a vital connection to UoN life. Additionally, this ongoing practice has helped my career development and since 2022 I have been working as an associate lecturer with The Open University. Without my experiences with the Researcher Academy and the Advance HE qualification I wouldn’t have had the skills or confidence to undertake this work.
What it’s like working with the team
What you have with the Researcher Academy is an exceptional balance of talented educators and supportive colleagues. From beginning as a nervous novice, I have had nothing but warmth, encouragement, patience, and respect. The team are incredibly approachable, whether it’s a quick reminder about procedures, or more in-depth training, staff are on hand to make sure you feel supported and you are fully equipped and confident in the role.
From day one I have felt a valued member of the team where I have been invited to pilot and share my thoughts on course material for continual improvement. This is particularly valuable for me as a differently abled student. I have been invited and felt able to make suggestions and give feedback that will help improve the courses for future students with additional needs.
The impact on my studies
Not only has my experience boosted my employability and expanded my teaching skills, but it has also impacted my research. My PhD culminates in an acceptability and feasibility intervention, the format of which was largely inspired by the Getting to Grips with Academic Writing course. Demonstrating on this course allowed me to explore methods of delivery that were pedologically sound and suitable for an interdisciplinary audience.
Additionally, although I was in the demonstrator role, being part of the community sharing thoughts, worries, hacks, and tips with other PhD students through the courses I have led has been extremely rewarding. It has been a joy to share hints and tips I’ve learnt along the way to boost the confidence of learners and help them feel a little less alone in their academic journey. I too have also gained so much from hearing from other learners. These courses have helped me feel encouraged, part of the community, and less alone in the common struggles of PhD writing.
These experiences have significantly enhanced my career opportunities and impacted my PhD research. Working with this fantastic facilitation team has been an immense skill, knowledge, and confidence boosting experience. If you get the chance to work with the team, even if it’s just one course (in person or online) do it!
No comments yet, fill out a comment to be the first
Leave a Reply