Teaching

University TEaching and Learning

CURRICULUM AND PEDAGOGY - UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

As Programme Director of the Outdoor Education and Outdoor, Environmental and Sustainability Postgraduate Programmes (Certificate/Diploma/Masters) at the University of Edinburgh, I am responsible for the leadership and development of curriculum and pedagogy, as well as ensuring the ongoing development of a rich and diverse learning community for students and staff. I have course coordinated a range of courses (academic, practical, research) and worked collaboratively with colleagues within and beyond the University. In 2020, during the pandemic, I took on the academic lead of the Hybrid Delivery Workstream within Moray House School of Education and Sport, where I provided leadership, guidance and support to individuals and groups of colleagues as we transitioned to emergency hybrid and online pedagogy during challenging times.

Curriculum and Pedagogy - University of Tasmania

At the University of Tasmania, I demonstrated personal versatility and passion for teacher education generally across all degrees, Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education, in relation to graduate teacher education preparation (Bachelor and Masters level) and creating space for supporting initial teacher educators creating links between theory and practice. I am passionate about the various spaces and places for learning including face to face, online and the outdoors.

I coordinated, lectured and tutored ESH306/EMT607 Preparing for the Profession, the final academic course in the Professional Studies Stream of Curriculum and Pedagogy units [courses] in the Faculty of Education. These units [courses] appear across a range of degrees including the Master of Teaching, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Primary, Health and Physical Education, Maths/Science). The units [courses] are taught face to face and online, across three university campuses and two degree levels: Masters and Bachelor. I continually renew content by embedding emerging pedagogies and new practice as I respond to student learning needs and changing local and national government policy changes. I achieve this through utilising a range of ICT tools and face to face teaching practices. The units' [courses'] core purpose is to facilitate the transition from University to School. This I achieve through maintaining contact with schools, teachers and current practice, listening to Initial Teacher Educators, modifying my practice, and being open to feedback and new technology. I embed Web 3.0 technology tools to deepen learning and engage Initial Teacher Educators. I develop relationships with nationally and internationally based colleagues to allow initial teacher educators the opportunity to have access to the latest thinking and practice, and engage in rich discussion with colleagues across the globe. These units [courses] are designed using a blended learning approach and are in a constant state of re-design to ensure they remain current for students.

Outdoor Education

In my current role, I teach across the programs of Outdoor and Environmental Education at the University of Edinburgh. My teaching attends to critical reading and research, Learning for Sustainability, Experiential Education and practical courses (e.g., canoeing, hillwalking).

From 2005-2017 I taught and provided leadership to the Outdoor Education Teaching Specialisation at the University of Tasmania. During this time, I taught all of the units [courses] of the outdoor education specialisation, was responsible for curriculum development (2005), leading curriculum review and redesign (2009, 2012), and was the Course Coordinator [Program Director] for Outdoor Education, including leading the Natural Research Grouping - Outdoor Education (2008-2012). While teaching and leading the specialisation, I developed partnerships with schools, colleges and other individuals and organisations to support our field trips which included climbing, paddling, bushwalking, and centre based programs. These field components included experiences of a few hours, to 8 day self-propelled unsupported expeditions in local to wilderness environments. With internal structural changes to the Faculty, both Outdoor Education leadership positions were removed (2012) and I moved into the teacher education space; curriculum and pedagogy. The Outdoor Education Teaching Specialisation graduated its final students in 2017.

Previous Units [courses] of Teaching

• Technical Skills and Leadership in the Outdoors (2014-2016)

• Outdoor Education Praxis (2011-2013)

• Developing Outdoor Education Programs (2010-2011)

• Fundamentals of Outdoor Education/Foundations of Learning Outside the Classroom (2010-2016)

• Education Outdoors (Primary/Early Childhood Degree) (2008-2009)

• Issues in Outdoor Education (2008-2009)

• Outdoor Journeys (2005-2015)

• Outdoor Environments 1 & 2 (2005-2011)

• Safety and Risk Management in the Outdoors (2005-2009)

• Outdoor Education Pedagogy (2005-2009)

Teaching prior to University

Prior to my time at the University, I taught in a range of schools across Australia and the UK. The majority of my time was spent teaching outdoor education in primary and secondary school programs in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria (States of Australia). I taught in schools (public and private, primary through to high school), at residential outdoor and environmental education centres, in state forests, and national parks. I led extended expeditions on the land and water, and held a wide range of qualifications listed below. I was mostly employed in a casual/freelance capacity which resulted in a broad experience of outdoor learning programs, teaching practices and curriculum design. I taught young people from age 5 upwards, youth at risk, male prisoner transition, indigenous community groups, and adults, including providing professional learning for teachers in the outdoors (navigation, bushwalking, facilitation, flatwater and whitewater canoeing, games and problem solving activities). I also spent time teaching Personal Development, Health and Physical Education in New South Wales, Queensland and the UK (Essex).

• Outdoor Education Teacher, Maroon Outdoor Education Centre, Queensland (2003-2004)

• Heath and Physical Education Teacher, Grays Convent School, London, United Kingdom (2001-2002)

• Health and Physical Education Teacher, Ipswich Girls Grammar School, Queensland (2000)

• Program Coordinator Outdoor Education, Edmund Park Training and Leisure Centre (1999)

• Freelance Teacher Outdoor Education, and Health and Physical Education (NSW, Qld, Vic) (1995-2001)

This diverse experience served me well when I transitioned into the University space where I developed contemporary curriculum for the Outdoor Education Teaching Specialisation for teaching in schools K-12 in the initial teacher education program, as well as a specific unit of study for early childhood and primary initial teacher educators, and in other curriculum design of core degree programs more broadly (Professional Studies Stream - teacher education curriculum and pedagogy). I continue to be dedicated to teaching and learning outdoors, teaching how theory informs practice, and incorporating web technologies, including social media, into learning and teaching to accelerate and deepen learning and nature connection for individuals studying outdoor education and teacher education, in many forms. 

Qualifications and certificates