Margaret Elizabeth Bahn Tait, MA, MPhil, PhD. Bye-Fellow (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.
As bye-fellow in academic development, 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.
