Ailsa Glen

As a Senior Lecturer specialising in Academic Literacies and English for Academic Purposes, my role has encompassed a range of educational research and practice. Previously, I was responsible for a pathway course for international students entering the university, which led to my research interest in peer feedback and written corrective feedback for HE students who have English as an additional language. In 2015, I was awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. 

My current role is to provide academic support and development for students in the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences to improve retention and inclusivity, help overcome learning transitions and embed academic literacies in learning. I teach and develop academic skills, including critical communication skills, academic writing, and student autonomy and self-efficacy through reflective practice in a range of learning environments. Using a dialogic multi-model approach, I offer interactive lectures and seminars, facilitate writing groups and peer groups sessions, and provide individual tutorials within students’ own disciplinary context. 

As the English Language Support Lead in the Skills Hub, I also design and deliver induction events, workshops and short courses to support students who have English as an additional language. Our core principles are to develop language proficiency, academic skills and create a sense of belonging and community to enable these students to thrive on their chosen degree programme. 

I am also a qualified life coach and utilise my coaching skills to both support and empower students in overcoming barriers to their academic progress, achievement and success.  

Research interests include peer learning and feedback, writing groups, student persistence and the role of coaching to improve academic outcomes.