PhD student is awarded Associate Fellow after completing Higher Education recognition program

A PhD student at GCU has gained the title of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) – an accredited award which recognises teaching in Higher Education.

The AFHEA, which provides recognition of professional practice for supporting teaching and learning in Higher Education, was awarded to PhD student Paul Ager for his successful completion of the program.

Paul Ager, who’s research focuses on “Improving Positioning Performance of Systems Via Closed-loop Control”, decided to apply towards the AFHEA to support his passion behind teaching. He said: “I decided to apply and acquire the necessary training as a result of my burning desire to learn in order to make a difference.

The program was structured to provide the needed teaching skills which include; providing prompt and desired feedback, how to handle challenging behaviour in a classroom, assessing student appropriately, among other benefits. The overwhelming result is that after the program you stand a chance of promotion at your workplace as a lecturer for having this unique training and title at GCU.”

He added: “The pathway towards recognition as an AFHEA at GCU is very interesting and an easy journey to embark on.

The prerogative of the AFHEA is through a written portfolio containing your teaching skills and acquired experience over time. Arranging a reflective portfolio of professional practice for AFHEA entails making useful effort and complying with targets.

Attending mandatory teaching workshops is a major requirement for obtaining the Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) role. This workshop series provides great improvement in teaching and provides a solid base to HEA entitlement covering vital parts of the UK professional standard framework.”

I would recommend completing the programme to future and present PhD students because the benefits are quite enormous for anyone willing to stay in academics. I have encouraged two people who have joined already to gain the experience for the next batch.”

You can find out more about Paul's experience on his blog

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media