I think the first thing to say is that it probably wasn’t what I expected. The scene where the lecturer walks into the lecture theatre, stands at the front, delivers a wealth of knowledge, then vanishes from sight, is really old hat!
Interactive lectures, web based learning, blogs, video lectures, audio presentations, then learning from your colleagues and students is all part and parcel of the modern teaching world.
I have found that being a university lecturer is an incredibly rewarding job. You get to talk about a subject for which you have a passion on a daily basis. You get to see the students love for their subject increase, their academic performance improve and deliver them to the world of work as rounded human beings. The brightest students can challenge you, and inspire you to improve your own knowledge. The less able inspire you to find new ways of imparting knowledge and there is nothing like that ‘light bulb’ moment.
I was fortunate that I had been involved with short summer research projects for a few years a Dispensing Optician and subsequently as an Optometry undergraduate at Anglia Ruskin University. I was a mature student on both of the courses and already had work experience of staff training in fields other than optics. For me the thought of being able to share my knowledge and further it too, was very exciting.
I was able to study for my teaching qualification whilst lecturing and was fully supported both financially and academically. It also gave me the opportunity to interact with staff from other faculties, and learn about their teaching methods and how they might be applied on my teaching modules.
As well as teaching and preparation time there are other aspects of the job that were probably not immediately obvious to me at first. There can be quite a bit of administration to do with mentoring students, writing examination papers, marking said papers, writing module documents and admission duties, such as clearing. It is quite something to speak to a student on a clearing day, take them through their studies, and see them graduate three years later. I don’t honestly think there can be anything more rewarding.
There are opportunities to work from home using remote access and this can be very useful at times when you are not required to be present for administrative or teaching requirements.
There are many opportunities to be active in research and personal development. Many earlier career lecturers are encouraged to study to Masters or PhD level with full support from the faculty. I can count myself lucky enough to be in this group. I have been able to take part in other colleague’s studies too and broadened my knowledge base further.
The first time you stand in front of a class of students, and deliver that well prepared lecture, for me was amazing. To be thanked by the students as they leave with a ‘see you next week Miss’ (which always makes me laugh), is why I can’t imagine doing anything else.