STUDENT AND PEER APPRAISALS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FOR DR ANNWYNE HOULDSWORTH

Annwyne is noted for the passion and enthusiasm she brings to every aspect of biomedical teaching. This not only reflects itself in the way she communicates with students, but also in the ‘behind the scenes’ activities where teaching material is constantly challenged, reviewed and updated. She has been a valued and reliable agent of feedback, providing detailed and practical input into course reviews, and offering fresh ways of tackling topics that are traditionally viewed by students as ‘difficult’. (Dr Jim McGarrick, Senior Teaching Fellow in Human Function, University of Exeter Medical School)

Associate Lecturer- paediatric nurses in the ear, muscles and bones, liver and cardiovascular system for Plymouth University, School of Biomedical science and Healthcare (2014)Associate lecturer- renal physiology module BIOM 2026, (2nd year) Biomedical and Healthcare Science Department, Plymouth University, (2013-2014) Academic Tutor- PCMD/PU-PSMD (September 2008-2013)

‘I am certainly benefited being one of her students during my medical training. She (Annwyne) is also keen to support her tutees in their academic learning and other aspects of life. She is a trustworthy person. I was able to share my difficulties in study, and to discuss other issues with her thoroughly.’ (Keith Chan, Year 5 medical student)

Problem Based Learning facilitator (PBL) (2007-2012)‘She (Annwyne) demonstrates teaching skills that facilitate students with different level of ability, providing encouragement and motivation for students to learn. Annwyne is well organized. Her PBL session’s plans are well thought out tailored to her students. She is innovative in tailoring her session’s plans to the abilities of her students to advance their learning.’ (Keith Chan, Year 5 medical student)

Annwyne’s academic strengths are, both by her own admission and by her example as PBL facilitator and LSRC tutor in class, in the field of physiology.  Annwyne helped make this extremely complicated field a little clearer by always being six steps ahead of our PBL group, and always knowing exactly how to nudge us gently in the right direction so that we achieved our learning objectives or by reminding us of prior learning that we might not have immediately made the connection with.  She also knew when and for how long to let us stray off-topic into other areas so as to keep sessions fresh and interesting.’ (James Leigh Walker-Haworth Year 4 medical student)

I had an excellent experience with her a tutor, as did many other members of my group. Annwyne established a good rapport with all group members, and was very friendly and supportive during sessions. In particular the second PBL group bonded very well, probably due to the passing of the initial nerves, and Annwyne was a vital part of this. As well as being approachable and down-to-earth during sessions, Annwyne maintained a firm and professional attitude and encouraged all group members to put the work in during SDL and contribute equally during sessions. This was very important, as with a lot of SDL time at PCMD, guidance is paramount to ensure keeping on track with the workload and starting well for future years. When we were uncertain on topics, she encouraged us to seek answers and work through it as a group, rather than handing the knowledge to us on a plate, which I found beneficial. When necessary, her academic contributions were well explained and helped clear up any confusion or conflicting answers in the group’ (Ella Daniels, Year 5 medical student).

Life Science Resource Centre for PCMD (2006-2013)

1

HIV infection/AIDS, virology, epidemiology (yr2)

HIV tests and diagnosis (yr2) Thyroid axis and thyroid disease (yr2) Reproductive endocrinology (yr1 and

2) Appetite regulation, brain-gut axis

(yr2) Thrombosis and haemostasis (yr2) Thrombophilia and haemophilia (yr2) Necrosis/apoptosis (yr2) Oxidative stress (yr2) Oedema (yr2)

Haematological malignancies (yr2) Hypersensitivity reactions (yr2) Liver architecture (yr2) Liver function and drug metabolism

(yr2) Acidosis/alkalosis (yr1) Kidney physiology (yr1) Muscle physiology (yr1) Connective Tissue (yr1) Adult/ foetal haemoglobin (yr1) Skin, breasts and nails (yr1) Growth hormones (yr1)

‘Annwyne is a qualified to high standard in terms of her biomedical sciences expertise and is regularly willing to take on facilitation in areas related to her background. She shows a devotion to her work and spends considerable time preparing for sessions, particularly when she has not covered specific topics previously. She is not afraid to ask questions about what is expected and regularly discusses content with other tutors to ensure the knowledge she has is apposite and up-to-date. She holds a postgraduate qualification in education and this is evident when discussing various topics as she clearly defines the theories that underpin the teaching strategies she employs.’ Kerry Gilbert LSRC manager)

‘I have had Annwyne for a tutor in LSRC several times during my time in Plymouth. Again, she built a good rapport with all students. With a strict time limit during sessions, she found ways of including as much learning as possible by keeping the pace quick and using methods such as group work. In general, I think her sessions were beneficial and well received by all students. As well as being approachable and down-to-earth during sessions, Annwyne maintained a firm and professional attitude and encouraged all group members to put the work in during SDL and contribute equally during sessions… When we were uncertain on topics, she encouraged us to seek answers and work through it as a group, rather than handing the knowledge to us on a plate, which I found beneficial. When necessary, her academic contributions were well explained and helped clear up any confusion or conflicting answers in the group.’ (Ella Daniels, Year 5 medical student)

Module leader for modules BIOL2016/17 for Plymouth University (2012/13) Curriculum development Resources to support Assessment system Presentations of material Case study sessions Consolidation sessions Utilisation of current respiratory physiology practice from Derriford

‘Dr Houldsworth has demonstrated herself to be an excellent tutor who is willing to go out of her way to aid her students as well as further motivate them. Her knowledge in the topics she has taught me this year has been extremely interesting and fascinating to learn; her preparation of the sessions have been very well prepared and well structured to lead on through the module. Dr Houldsworth has shown herself to be an exemplary tutor as well as flexible with timekeeping. She has also been very patient and happy to go over areas in the syllabus, which require further study, as well as recommending methods of learning and ideas on improving one’s knowledge. She is always well motivated and always teaches with great enthusiasm….She has continually driven me to further achievements and goals as well as provided me with motivation and knowledge. Dr Houldsworth has been one of the

2

greatest tutors I have as a student to come by.’ (Ben Guan, Year 3 respiratory physiology student)

Presentation to demonstrate the use of PBL in collaborative learning for health care students (Sweden, 2012) Cardiovascular module and lectures B1404, Biomedical Science, Plymouth University (2010)Marking scripts for Biomedical Science Faculty, Plymouth University (2010)

Essays on fertility treatments Journal reviews on FOAD, Cardiovascular disease, Inflammatory

Bowel DiseaseEvidence Based Medicine (2007-2008)

Case control studies Randomised control trials Odds ratios Systematic reviews

Qualitative research

Cross sectional and environmental study

‘To summarise I would say you were an excellent teacher with very kind manners and I am glad that my first PBL was lead by such a supportive and encouraging facilitator. It was lovely working with you.’ (Maasha Mohamed Didi, Year 4 medical student)

3

4