The Context
Technical pedagogy is a movement considering the evolution of technical positions in Higher Education, building upon pedagogy theories like rhizomatic practice between students, academic and technical dynamics as well as structures scaffolding to core student learning. With this, I am building a technical career pathway, like that of the academic pathway in a way to lead technical practice that is currently stifled in comparison. This will be a focus on senior technical roles, research opportunities as well as knowledge exchange and staff development.
The rationale
The reasoning behind this project is due to the barriers that are in place with technical positions and opportunities, even with the PgCert course, the focus is clearly on setting the Academic perspective and with lived experiences from staff and myself we are democratically trying to change the system to gain respect and equal opportunity in the workplace.
The Methods
My research methods are a combination of auto-ethnographic beginnings, then building towards a narrative discussion which came through a focus group around the topics of technical staff and pedagogy. The concluding research method is being discussed as an activist platform in challenging the purpose of our career longevity, staff retention and technical opportunities.
The findings
My findings have been clear, in the arguments, that technical staff are treated differently and within localised departments, I have referenced similar feedback that was received by Tim Savage in 2018 and if our focus group participation still felt the same in 2023. This data was then retained in the form of empathic acknowledgement and there is positive engagement on similar feelings, but also the necessaries of what needs to be done.
Clear areas of interest are Community lead engagement within the technical department, peer progression and learning opportunities, the security of feeling welcomed and connected with the wider UAL technical schools and departments as well as overwhelming feedback that we need technical leadership in departments with Senior and lead roles that are separate from management.
References:
Pick and mix different research findings.
gap within research and the importance of doing this research.
Demonstration pedagogy – need to research.