We spoke to Michelle Yeoman about her Doctoral research, this is what she had to say!
For various reasons the tutor role is often understood in different ways by different people, with some giving more weight to each of the aspects; academic, personal, pastoral, than others, meaning the role, and indeed at times the capacity of the tutor, is unclear. This research therefore aims to gain insight into how and why different people have different understandings of the role, what influences individuals’ understandings of it, and the role’s scope.
– Michelle Yeoman explaining her research
Michelle told us that “Squirreling away in the literature of YSJ” has enabled her to understand some of the university’s systems more clearly, which is beneficial for her role as a lecturer. It has also given her an opportunity to get to know a large number of her colleagues better through conducting interviews and speaking to them about the work that they do to support students, particularly those students who have multiple or complex needs.
Good academic tutors hold the threads of a student’s journey through academia together, they know when to loosen a thread, when one needs attention, when to find a new attachment for a thread i.e., refer to wellbeing service and handle that sensitively. They do this through developing honest authentic relationships with their tutees. It is crucial such work is valued and respected; its impact on the student, department and institution, can be huge.
– Michelle Yeoman explaining a part of her research which fascinates her.
Michelle began her career here at York St John in 2018 giving guest lectures on her favourite subject – Early Childhood. Since then she has taught across a range of courses in the field of Education, but takes the greatest pleasure in the pastoral role of academic tutor. Her staff profile can be accessed here.
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