James Bettany

    Overview

    Profile summary

    My current role of Lecturer in Primary Education with a focus on computing and science reflects an ongoing interest in STEM subjects that dates back to undergraduate study in engineering. 

    Teaching interests

    My teaching has two main focusses. ICT and computing in primary schools, and primary science. Both of these fields have varied aspects, from examining the curriculum and developing content knowledge, to process knowledge of the subject and the pedagogic aspects of teaching that relate to them. 

    Beyond this I am fascinated by student teachers' development of their own personal philosophy of education. Encouraging critical appraisal of policy, cultural attitudes and curriculum and facilitating discussions that unpick why things might be done a certain way or why one might choose to take a different approach aims to bring to life the questions of why we educate and what we aim to achieve through the process.

    Additional information

    I have a reasonable level of fluency in both Spanish and German and an interest in language and languages in general. I am also interested in the links between culture, knowledge and language.

    I have contributed pieces of creative and journalistic writing to various independent publications.
    I participate in the University's staff sailing club and am a member of the bicycle users group (BUG).

    Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

    In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

    • SDG 4 - Quality Education
    • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals