Beyond the thesis: A postgraduate’s path to great teaching

As an academic who now spends most of my time in postgraduate researcher (PGR) training and development, how to teach is an area many early career researchers (ECRs) want to know more about. I believe communicating your science effectively and inspiring others by your enthusiasm is a vital aspect of any scientist’s skillset. Effective teaching requires developing a set of skills that extend this principle. Understanding aspects of learning theories, possession of effective communication and interpersonal skills, confidence in managing the environment for learners and ability to incorporate reflection on your effectiveness (through models of pedagogy) will make you an effective teacher. If academia is your goal, early-stage evidence of teaching experience can be an advantage in the job market and is a core skill. Opportunities to develop teaching skills are often available during a PhD and afterwards for early-career postdoctoral scientists. Juggling the development of a set of skills not directly related to your research project alongside meeting the objectives of your research requires determination, resilience and, most importantly, good time management, but those are key competencies which will benefit you throughout your career journey.