Isaiah is an Engineering Lecturer at Blackburn College. He is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Energy Systems. Isaiah has considerable industry experience spanning industrial manufacturing, maintenance and operations in both Engineering and banking sectors in addition to business process outsourcing. His background training in Mechanical Engineering coupled with field experience in manufacturing and banking, has been of immense support in training of apprentices and teaching of engineering subjects to 16-18 year old learners towards securing apprenticeships in world-class industries as well as preparing them for university education.
The teaching profession, although it presents many challenges is very noble, involving tasks and demonstration of subject specialist knowledge, skills and occupational competence. These include the ability to quickly and correctly identify the learning needs of the students that make up the class, effective planning of lessons, utilising appropriate learning techniques that will constructively engage the students throughout the session and promote active learning. I have been thoroughly supported by the SET for Teaching Success programme colleagues and further exposed to the tools required and support needed to be a great teacher. The programme has enabled me to share good practice with colleagues and facilitators from different institutions.
Teaching in FE primarily involves creating an atmosphere that encourages and supports learning and active participation in the classroom. I am thrilled about FE teaching as it entails facilitated learning using various innovative media and real-life examples to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved at the end of every session.
I have benefited immensely from the programme because it gave me the opportunity to compare teaching techniques and decision making with my peers. It has also ensured I use better and more effective approaches when managing behaviour and low-level distractions, common in FE.
I look forward to becoming a well-rounded professional in education, delivering excellent teaching and learning in several engineering subjects and providing great mentoring to learners and lecturers new to teaching. I will continuously develop myself by engaging in CPD opportunities, becoming a good role model to upcoming engineers, technicians and colleagues. I will also do this by utilising my networks within local and global engineering companies to inspire, encourage and motivate my learners towards pursuing rewarding careers in the noble profession of engineering.