Karen negotiates a First Class career

Karen Smith has switched from IT training to primary school teaching, thanks to a special University of Teesside scheme.

The Negotiated Learning Scheme takes previous work experience into account when studying for a degree, enabling the student to spend less time in classes while still earning their qualification. Karen has been so successful that she has gained a First Class degree.

Karen, 33, from Acklam, enrolled on the BA Professional Studies in Education course at the University after spending years as an IT trainer. Because of her vast training experience, Karen was able to by-pass several modules and used past experience to help with others. By combining past experience with study, Karen achieved her degree in 14 months.

Karen said: “The Negotiated Learning Scheme was ideal. It meant I could use my past experience and not have to spend time in a class being taught things I already knew. I would have found it frustrating to go over old ground. It’s hard work though and you have to be well organised to work and also get your assignments written in time.

“Negotiated Learning is an ideal solution if you can’t commit to full-time study but have the right experience. I’d tell anyone to go for it.”

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