Tutoring under principles of critical pedagogy
The Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE) recognise and reward those who have enhanced the student learning experience and championed personal tutoring in their departments.
Every year, we ask students and staff to recognise those who have made a significant difference to the support of students through personal tutoring. This year, CLL's very own Dr Anil Awesti has won the WAPTE -- Anil shares his thoughts and feedback below:
It is lovely to have my nearly two decades as a Personal Tutor at Warwick recognised through the WAPTE award.
My practice is defined by a deep personal and professional commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice, and I have tried my best to support students who experience the most challenging circumstances in their academic journeys, specifically those from working class backgrounds, mature students, and students of colour. My approach to supporting students is underpinned by the principles of critical pedagogy. This approach appreciates and values the significant experiences that all students bring to universities and the transformative potential of education, but also recognises that educational structures and norms often act as vehicles of oppression and marginalisation for students from ‘non-traditional backgrounds’ and ‘seeks to transform oppressive structures in society using democratic and activist approaches to teaching and learning" (Braa & Callero, 2006).
In practice - via initiatives such as targeted programmes for adult learners, improved institutional guidance on supporting students from ‘non-traditional backgrounds’, and anti-racism staff training - these values have translated into working to help hundreds of Warwick students navigate an institutional space that is not always designed with them in mind and, in doing so, successfully complete and attain in their studies. Of course, this could not be done without the help of many colleagues. What particularly stands out is the dedication of all staff in the Centre for Lifelong Learning to supporting our adult learners in accordance with their lived realities.
As the University and the wider HE sector adapts to a changing national policy and funding context (e.g. the Lifelong Learning Entitlement), it is imperative the CLL’s student-centred approach to adult education is at the heart of this transformation.
About the author
Dr Anil Awesti is an Associate Professor and Senior Tutor in Centre for Lifelong Learning.