Amy Matthews

Background

About Amy Matthews

After working as a primary school teacher for just over a decade I have found my niche in higher education. With a background in special educational needs education I have found adaptive teaching practices also relevant within the adult learning sphere, particularly when delivering an 'active learning' approach for a widening participation community. The chalk face experience which I gained from working with families of children with additional needs led me to value current research around longevity and optimum health; it is this domain of research where it is now understood how important a holistic approach to health is. Connected to these interests my personal research bias at the moment is to explore the idea of metacognition with a particular emphasis on executive functioning. I relish the opportunity which I also now have to lead a team and to redesign a course so that we can facilitate the development of aspiring teachers. The beautiful coastal town where I am situated is working hard to redefine itself and move away from the identity of 'deprivation' which has weighed it down for so long. What better way to do this is there than to inspire excellent teaching to bring the best out of learners of all ages? And what a priviledge it is to be part of that journey.