Fotios Savvopoulos, Education MA graduate 2010
I am from a town in Greece called Kilkis, and I graduated in 2005 from the Democritus University of Thrace with a bachelor's degree in Greek Literature (specialising in Modern Greek and Byzantine Literature.) I have also completed the Greek obligatory army service and have worked as a teacher in both primary and secondary schools.
Improving my teaching skills
I decided to study for my masters in the UK because I wanted to learn more about different issues within the field of education and improve my teaching skills by studying new methods of teaching. I also wanted the opportunity to meet and collaborate with colleagues from other countries and to exchange ideas and opinions on the teaching industry.
I chose to study for my Education MA at the School of Education because I heard it had the reputation of one of the best providers of educational studies. The fact that the course duration was only one year was also beneficial to me, as I could resume my career immediately after I had completed the course.
Course modules
The course modules were well organised, straight forward and combined theory with practice, which I felt enabled me to reflect upon my skills. The course tutors helped me a lot with their intensive supervision and related their own teaching experience to their teaching methods. In particular, my dissertation supervisor was extremely supportive and gave valuable advice on my dissertation proposal and drafts. There was continuous communication with the course tutors through face to face tutorials and via email ensuring that all my questions were answered.
Developing my career
I feel that gaining a masters in education will help to develop my career and improve my self confidence. I have learnt how to organise my curriculum plans and how to use alternative teaching methods and adapt them to my students needs. Through my studies, I learnt about EU standards in education. The educational system in Greece can be problematic, however, having gained a masters, I feel that I can really contribute and help to improve the system.
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