IT’S GOOD TO TALK

What three characteristics do you feel make a good teacher?

I feel it’s important to have a passion for what you do, whether it’s teaching or something totally unrelated. With passion and honesty, your intentions become clear to those you wish to help, which helps me to get student buy-in as I’m very passionate.

A good teacher should be approachable. Students should be able to ask questions of their teachers without fear of reproach. Learning should be inclusive, no matter the circumstance, so teachers have a huge responsibility when ensuring that all voices in the classroom are heard.

Finally, I think that a good teacher should be engaging. This is not to say that we must become entertainers, but certainly there is a space within our remit to add humour to lectures or incorporate games into lessons.

find new and innovative ways to ensure that our learners are able to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and the college.

How would you like your career to develop?

I would like to remain in the classroom. I have a strong interest in sociology and British culture so I would like to teach sociology, preferably at Walsall College or in another country. I would also like to start a provision for schoolrefusers, focusing on behaviour and core skills as I am a strong advocate of good maths and English provision.

What one piece of advice would you have for your former self? Have patience. People learn at different rates and student development is not an exact science. Sometimes we can put pressure on ourselves unnecessarily, which can affect the quality of our teaching delivery.

What do you most love about teaching?

Knowing that I am instrumental in the changing of a learner’s life. It’s important to me that everyone gets a ‘fair shake at the stick’, as it were. If I can help to provide this, I’m happy.

What do you get up to outside of work? I like to keep fit so I box. I’m also a Krav Maga practitioner, and love karaoke, anime, Star Trek and combat sports.

DANIEL JONES is a lecturer in maths, English, personal development and work-related studies for construction learners at Walsall College

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