Mrs Kandi Higgins

Teaching Fellow

Education

Personal statement

Kandi joined the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde on secondment in August 2015 after teaching French and German in schools for 21 years. She became a permanemt member of staff in August 2017.

She brings real enthusiasm and current experience of classroom teaching to the University. Sharing her knowledge and expertise helps to maximise the experiences of PGDE and BA student teachers as they work to inform their practice and become effective classroom practitioners.

Kandi is a member of the PGDE Course Management Team and the PGDE Secondary Placement Learning Team. She is Joint Module Leader on the PGDE Professional Specialisation Module and supports part-time students in her role as the PGDE Part-Time Pathway Coordinator.

Teaching

Back to staff profile

Teaching

Kandi's passion for teaching and learning within a Modern Languages context is evident in her development of classes across PGDE and BA courses. She is the PGDE Modern Languages CCL Module leader where she works with and supports Modern Languages students throughout their PGDE journey.

Kandi leads the BA4 Option Module - Modern Languages in the Primary School. This programme develops student teachers' confidence and ability to embed foreign languages within daily classroom routines. Students critically reflect on a wide range of methodologies which promote effective language teaching and learning within the primary classroom.

In her role as Part-Time Co-ordinator, Kandi supports PGDE secondary students who choose to follow the part-time route and complete the PGDE course over two years.

Kandi is joint Module Leader for the PGDE Professional Specialisation Module. She coordinates the brochure offering students a wide range of on-campus PS classes and manages student applications for self-found projects. All classes/projects allow students to develop an area of knowledge and expertise of their choosing which will inform and enhance their teaching and the learning experiences of young people in the classroom.

Kandi leads her own Primary Languages Professional Specialisation Module. As the Government's 1+2 Languages Policy has a prominent place in our curriculum, this programme will equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to take forward foreign language learning with their pupils on placement, during their NQT year and beyond.

Research

Back to staff profile

Research Interests

Kandi is interested in effective methodologies which promote effective second language acquisition among learners across both primary and secondary sectors.

In line with the Government's 1+2 Languages Policy, Kandi is interested in providing the best possible support to primary practitioners to allow them to build knowledge and expertise in effective foreign language teaching and learning within the primary sector.

Kandi is also interested in developing an effective model to promote independent learning within P6/7 of the primary sector.