Lecturer reverses roles with students in ‘Teach the Teacher’ programme

A literacy teacher at Coleg Sir Gâr is taking part in a role reversal exercise with her students as part of the ‘Teach the Teacher’ programme.

Alex Huggett, who is a lecturer in the Skills Improvement team, teaches on the college’s GCSE English resit programme, which offers students a second chance to complete their qualification.

She is taking part in the programme, which was initially started at Solihull College, where lecturer Rachel Arnold discovered that engaging with students, within their own vocational subject areas, improved student performance and morale.

Alex Huggett is following Rachel’s lead and has so far taken part in her students’ classes where they turn the tables and teach her parts of the course that they are studying.

So far, she has learned how to care for horses within their indoor and outdoor environment, taken part in hospitality service at the college’s training restaurant - Cegin Sir Gâr, and she will soon be learning how to cook professionally and learning about sport with her other students.

Retaking GCSEs is a daunting feeling especially when the student is enjoying their brand-new lease of life at college studying something they really enjoy, but they can still carry fear of repeated failure and this can bring a self-perceived lack of ability.

Rebecca Davies, skills manager at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “Taking part in this programme has multiple benefits for staff and students alike.

“Alex has forged stronger relationships with students because she has seen them thrive in their learning environment.  The experience has also provided the opportunity to work in collaboration with the faculty areas - together we are supporting the learners to help them succeed in their skills development.

“Students have responded well and are much more eager in their GCSE classes after teaching their teacher the skills they excel at.”

Alex Huggett, lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr added: “Being in my students’ mainstream classes has really made a difference to everyone involved and has also offered me an insight into my students and their varied learning programmes.

“From being involved, I can also see that there is opportunity to transfer skills between their vocational courses and the literacy and numeracy levels we are trying to aim for.”