#We are Marjon: Professional Education Practice
Working in the military as a non-standard educator, the MA Professional Education Practice has been fantastic.
Firstly, it has been so convenient as I could work remotely at a distance whilst undertaking busy roles within the Royal Marines (RM) and then through a transition to the Royal Navy (RN) as an Officer. The ability to connect with all the learning at any time makes it simple to work at times that suited me. Lynne’s approach, recording bite-sized videos highlighting each week’s learning themes, was convenient and enabled replaying to re-consider key points. Furthermore, the weekly content supported the learning, meaning I could focus on key elements. What made this unique was the extra learning elements enabled me to expand on the topics to a deeper level if I had the time or the inclination. All this was supported by Lynne, with feedback sessions online that enabled discussion on my plans for the reports and she helped expand my thinking in a very mentor-inspired approach.
Secondly, the content enabled me to expand gaps in my knowledge. I have spent years delivering training within both the RM and RN, and I have an extensive coaching and mentoring background but, I am not a pure teacher and won’t follow that path in the military or after. This course recognises this and helps me to link the higher theological understanding into my skillset. It has enabled me to think deeply about other training elements like analysis and design supporting my current RN Officer career as a Training Manager.
Thirdly, the final dissertation did two things; it enabled me to write a dissertation to the highest standards as seen with my final grade of 88, and more importantly, it enabled me to seek a gap in the RNs’ training approach concerning technology. I now have a clearer understanding of the technology being used in education across multiple industries, how it is used, and what pitfalls have been discovered. Additionally, I have a deeper understanding of my peers’ thinking and the theological concepts supporting technology utilisation. As a Training Manager, this knowledge will be valuable to the RN as it continues to adapt and implement these types of technology into its training envelope.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone busy, looking to upskill their career, and needing the foundation of education to accurately analyse, design, and support training within an organisation. Lynne Wyness (Programme Leader) is simply the finest of mentors, she enables her students to seek both inspiration and the drive to excel.
Royal Navy Educator MA Professional Education Practice graduate Plymouth Marjon University
