Dr Hamid Rahmanian, an honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s, University of London successfully completed the Developing Teaching short course in November 2023.
Hamid shares his experience of actively participating on the course.
What is your background in relation to teaching and learning in higher education?
I am a consultant psychiatrist and an associate clinical director for Sutton community mental health services within South West London and St Georges NHS trust. I am also an honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at St Georges, University of London.
Through the past few years, I have developed a special interest in medical education. To sharpen my teaching skills, I completed a certificate in essential skills in medical education at Dundee university. In recent years, I have been actively involved in both undergraduate and post graduate teaching.
What motivated you to attend the Developing Teaching course?
I was keen to follow this course since I want to further improve my knowledge and skills about teaching and learning within the context of higher education and in particular, in the area of medical education. I also aim to apply for an Advance HE Fellowship via St George’s SHINE scheme and gain recognition for my contributions to enhancing students’ learning process.
Can you tell us your experience of participating in the course?
Reflecting on my learning experience, I feel that it has been a transformative experience for me. The learning experience has enriched my thinking about teaching and learning. The interactive teaching sessions facilitated deeper comprehension and engagement in learning.
I have developed further insights into student-focused teaching methods. For example, I now understand the pedagogic value of sharing learning outcomes of my sessions with students and evaluation of my teaching to identify what works and what needs further improvement. I developed my understanding of how to use learning resources to improve effective learning. The course has also improved my knowledge about inclusive teaching practice.
Has the course changed/challenged your views about teaching and learning?
The course enabled me to understand the significance of reflective practice in the process of becoming an effective teacher and a lifelong learner. The course challenged some of my previous understandings in relation to teaching practice. For example, I have not seriously thought about evaluating my teaching as part of improving my teaching practice. The course also challenged my views about ‘when’ and ‘how’ to assess students’ learning. Previously, I prioritised assessing students after the teaching has happened. Now, I understand the value of formative assessment in enhancing students’ learning.
The peer learning opportunities provided via microteaching challenged my views about professional learning and my knowledge about active learning approaches. The experience has also challenged my previous thinking about the value of ‘participation’ in effective learning.
In summary, the course helped me become a more reflective, student-focused teacher. I now apply my learning in my teaching. The feedback I have received from my students has been positive so far. “Developing Teaching” experience has made an extensive impact on my professional growth.
The course is a starting point for me to apply for Advance HE Fellowship.