Inspirational Teachers

The University has given students the opportunity to appreciate those people who have enabled them to have a positive experience. I choose to nominate several teachers who have inspired me and helped me to become a better student. Having good teachers is an important part of university life. I nominated my research methods teachers and Faye Powell (Social process and lifespan development) as my most inspirational teacher.

These teachers have been able to present information in a manner that I can understand. Psychology is a very complex subject and covers wide areas such as biological, cognitive and social and developmental psychology. Most of these subject areas were very new to me and it took me a while to develop the deeper understanding that I needed.  My teachers were able to help me put together the different pieces of the jigsaw. Their passion and in-depth knowledge of the subject, was transferred to me. These teachers are open and friendly, I feel that I can ask them lots of questions to aid my understanding. I want their teaching to be recognised and rewarded and this was my chance to say thank you for the support that they have given to me.

Being a good teacher is not the only thing that helps students, having units that are well organised, with information that is accessible is an important factor. It was for this reason amongst others that I nominated the research methods teaching team. Research methods was the unit I feared the most. It is however in my view the most important unit in psychology. It has enabled me to understand how to conduct research and read previous studies in order to complete my assignments.

I really hope they win, but if they don’t they will always have my respect and admiration and I think that University of Bedfordshire are lucky to have such great teachers in their psychology department.

Friendship

Hi everyone, this week has been another challenging week. I am still not feeling 100% but that does not stop the work from university, descending upon me at a great pace.  So what helps me to carry on during good times and bad, the theme of this week’s blog “its friendship”? Where would I be without them? In our research methods unit we are conducting a study on friendship, this has made me reflect on the importance of friendships at university and in life generally.

As a mature student I didn’t have great expectations of making new friends at uni.  I already have a group of lifelong friends who I have been close to for many years. However none of them are studying psychology. The group of friends I have made a university are great. I have now acquired friends who are much younger than me and it’s wonderful. We share many things in common but importantly we are all aiming to achieve the same goal to graduate in 2016 hopefully with a 1^st.  Some of  my friends work as student ambassadors and my closest friend at university is someone who I met through ambassador work. She constantly inspires me and always takes the time to listen. I hope that its mutual and I will always be ready to give her the time she needs.

Me and my BFF at work

University is not just about learning new things that could help me have a better career, the social aspect means a lot to me. I understand how students who have moved away from home can feel. I am a Londoner and moved to Bedford 6 years ago, most of my friends still live in London , as I don’t work there anymore, I don’t see as much of my friends as I would like.

Taking part in activities at university and being involved in group work is a good way of making new friends for those student who live away from campus. So don’t be afraid there will always be another student who in has things in common with you.

Leaving you with a musical message about friendship

Ben E King Stand by Me Have a great week http://youtu.be/BTCfQ6Bb8QE