Margaret Elizabeth Bahn Tait, MA, MPhil, PhD. Director of Academic Development.
I began my academic life as a linguist and literary historian: I studied Modern and Medieval Languages here at Queens', then took an MPhil in European Literature and worked on East German historical fiction for my PhD. I developed a strong interest in education during my doctoral studies and taught German literature and history for a couple of years, before taking up a University post in what was then the Academic Staff Development Office, where I set up the University's professional development programme for new University lecturers. I now lead on educational development programmes and initiatives with the Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning.
College
I teach short academic development workshops for undergraduates and educational development workshops for supervisors.
I work with fellows, students and staff to enhance the College's academic environment and activities. My work includes a mixture of facilitating short workshops; working with fellows and supervisors to explore aspects of teaching and learning; and developing the College's induction programmes for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Research
I am interested in conceptions of professional learning in the context of research-intensive universities, as well as theoretical perspectives on innovation and change in higher and professional education.
University
I am course leader for the externally accredited Teaching Associates' Programme and for the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, in the Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning. I also lead short workshops on educational and professional development and develop programmes for the annual Teaching Forum and other networks and initiatives. I serve on a range of committees, including the University's Researcher Development Committee, Personal and Professional Development Committee and the Management Committee for the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
College
01223 768968
Department
01223 765650
Position
- Official Fellow
- Director of Academic Development