Matt

Hi. I'm Dr Matt Hanley. I have a PhD in politics at Lancaster University, and ten years of teaching experience, both face-to-face and online, at various levels ('A' levels, university, post-doctorate, English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and casual).

While my main subject specialism is in politics, I also have experience within English and the humanities, teaching international relations, African geographies, research methodologies, and critical thinking. I am friendly, professional and passionate about my subjects, and I believe in encouraging my students to access their enthusiasm about these subjects in order to unlock their potential.

I also have a record of academic excellence: I gained a distinction grade in my Masters of Research (MRes); I scored the highest grade in my cohort on the TEFL training course (Pass B); and I won a prestigious ESRC scholarship for my PhD in transboundary conservation.

I am currently working on publishing my own research into environmental politics and transboundary resource conservation, and I am also putting together a new research project on English and the English identity. In my spare time I am a triathlete, adore Eurovision, and collect old blues records.

Tutoring Experience

As a qualified Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University, I have over 3 years experience teaching at university across a wide range of subjects in politics, international relations, research methods and geography. I also have a decade's experience in teaching TEFL English at all levels and ranges, from kindergarten classes to business English in Berlin, and from IELTS students to MENA refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK.

I also have experience helping students with their reading practices, assignment preparation and preparing for exams, and offer proof-reading, assignment and dissertation support and editing of academic papers at undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctorate level.

Tutoring Approach

I believe in an active and student-centred approach to learning, whereby I provide the support and expertise that enables my students to play a central role in their own learning and development.

My approach is to draw out my students' interest in their subject in order to develop their confidence and ability to engage academically in the most effective way.

It is important when teaching to develop this enthusiasm within the structure of the particular syllabus or course outline - I encourage my students to understand and respond to what is being asked of them, whether it be for an assignment, presentation or exam. I also aim to develop my students' ability to respond to and structure ideas and arguments in a logical and clear way. I endeavor to make my teaching engaging and interactive, incorporating diverse and innovative approaches to ensure active and enthusiastic student participation.