Matthew Roberts, MA Education
I began teaching in China in 2002 as a TEFL teacher, then trained in Liverpool, my first job in Manchester and have been in London since 2005, teaching English and Drama.
What prompted you to pursue an online programme with University of Exeter? Specifically, why was online appealing to you?
The scholarship was a real incentive. The reputation of Exeter precedes itself – a centre of excellence in the study of education. Online was a liberating prospect. The freedom and focus to manage my work, life and study in a balanced and manageable way. The pathway I have chosen is language and literacy which deepens my work as an English practitioner.
What has the experience been like? Was it what you thought it would be like and has it met your expectations?
Incredible course. Above and beyond my expectations. Uploading posts.
Responding to others. Interactive tasks. Reading. Research. Relishing new intellectual ideas that can reframe my perspectives of education: ideological, politically, and ethically.
The humanity and humour of the tutors. Their ability to pin-point ideas and recommend wider reading is personalised and profound.
The engagement and evolution of thinking of one’s own and others thinking about key issues in education from a global perspective has been transformative.
If you were giving someone who was considering an online course advice, what would it be?
This course! GO FOR IT! The support and guidance - superb.
This course provides a space to reflect, recontextualise and rejuvenate ideas, processes and practices in education, with like minded professionals.
Would you recommend the Exeter programme and if so what aspects of the course do you find appealing?
Wholeheartedly and unreservedly.
Is there anything you’d like to add or anything you’d like to talk about that we did not touch on?
Here is a link to my Fringe interview:
Matthew Roberts is a playwright who has written several one-person plays, which he has also produced and performed at several UK Fringe festivals, including Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He recently started a MA programme and he talks to Jo Tomalin about his experiences and discoveries that are meaningful to him these day