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Learning Services Staff in Focus - John Arnett, Academic Skills Adviser

 A day in the life of an ASA        

That’s a tricky one – it often seems like there is no such thing as a typical day.   One constant is seeing students, either in one to one support sessions, or in group workshops.  This is the core of the job and the part that I enjoy most, in truth, and where I definitely feel that I am doing something useful.  (I don’t always feel that when I’m staring at a screen, but that’s my problem…)  I really enjoy helping students with their writing, and trying to ensure that the work they submit is as good as it possibly can be.  My previous incarnation as an English teacher in London FE colleges, and my own experience as a sometime writer definitely helps there.  Also the fact that I spent six years (and the rest) as a student myself, undergraduate and postgraduate.  With academic writing, the way that you say it can be just as important as what you say.  This is as true as ever, and sometimes it can feel like a foreign language – but luckily it is a language that you can learn by doing, and with the occasional helping hand, which is where we come in.  One of the best feelings in this job is seeing the often rapid improvement that students make and the satisfaction they get from success.  Degree ceremonies really bring this home most powerfully – it is a thrill!

Other aspects of the job include attending course committees (always instructive to hear what the student reps have to say!)  writing materials eg for workshops and online resources; attending staff development, researching useful publications and resources; contacting students and providing “distance” support; writing up records; planning new workshops; attending team meetings.  Also working on specific projects, for example the online course I am doing currently in Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and ADHD.   And of course making time to have a walk by the beautiful Waterfront.  I’m only here two days a week but I make a point of doing this every day I’m here, whether after work or at lunchtime, winter or summer.  It is a very special place, and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work here. 

John Arnett

Academic Skills Adviser for Health Sciences