Michelle Leech
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
The person you are is as important as what you know
Michelle says that showing students you have their best interests at heart boosts confidence.
What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?
We're focusing on more active and authentic learning experiences, with tasks that connect deeply to the curriculum and align closely with assessment. The goal is to make learning as interactive as possible, using small groups, flat-floor classrooms and collaborative, social learning environments.
How do you help students build confidence, not just knowledge?
Know their names. Show them that we have their best interests at heart. Make what they have learned visible to them.
What do you hope your students take away from their time with you?
In the practice of Medicine and Healthcare the person you are is as important as what you know.
I can't quite believe that I am the head of the medical course I graduated from. It seems impossible to believe actually. ”
What mindset do you want your students to carry into their careers?
I hope that I brought some genuine care. I hope that the care shown from educators will help them transfer that care to patients, and that they will teach with kindness and positive regard.
What would surprise your younger self most about what you do now?
I can't quite believe that I am the head of the medical course I graduated from. It seems impossible to believe actually.
What does being a 'Changemaker’ mean to you personally?
Having a positive impact on future generations of doctors in a way that helps them help patients, connect care and reshape health cultures.
How do you tailor your teaching approach to engage and inspire today's students?
Understand which level of learner, their curriculum stage, tailor tasks to draw out learning, interactivity.
What does being a teacher allow you to do that nothing else can?
Experiment and respond in real time.