I am Daniel Moore, a senior lecturer in the School of Health and Life Sciences here at Teesside University and I teach on our MSci (Hons) Chiropractic degree. My journey into education ultimately led to me undertaking a Doctorate in Education here at Teesside University, having completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.
I am passionate about the transformative power of education. As I started to explore the postgraduate world, I wanted to engage in a topic that could supercharge my professional practice. I really like the quote from American educationalist John Dewey, ‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself’, which truly resonates with me. As a health professional and educator, you are always learning – always the student and never the master. This doesn’t mean you can’t demonstrate a high level of understanding and expertise in topics, but the sentiment drives you to continually question yourself, and push yourself to be better than you were yesterday. The doctorate was a personal interest and fed directly back into my teaching and learning activity within my course, department, and school.
Having this specific area of study also allows me to explore the topic nationally where I sit on national and international education committees and boards, engaging in research defining the future of the health sector. This places me, and my colleagues, at the forefront of contemporary educational practice, ensuring our students are experiencing the best available ideas and education globally. As a globally connected university, I can’t imagine a world where we don’t strive to be a world-leading course, department, or school.
This postgraduate exploration into education is also fuelled by the concept of knowledge being dynamic. It changes. In certain sectors, digital technology for example, it sometimes feels like it changes, evolves, or develops week to week. This poses a challenge to learning because knowledge is a moving target. To remain knowledgeable on a certain topic is a dynamic process, one that requires engagement and an appreciation that you don’t always have it dialled.
My postgraduate study has really helped me understand the theories surrounding education and my learning journey keeps me up to date with the most contemporary tactics linked to educating and learning. This has a direct impact on how I design the curricula I deliver and the methods I use for teaching, learning, and assessment. I was fortunate to be recognised this year with a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE, a prestigious national award for an outstanding contribution to higher education. We are now the only chiropractic degree in the UK with an NTF on the course team. Having said that, there is much more innovation and personal learning ahead. I would encourage everyone to consider the age-old statement every day is a school day, because it is, or at least it can be.
