My life and times spent at Oxford Brookes University, studying for a PhD research degree, linked me to an awesome opportunity of teaching teenagers from diverse countries of the world during the last summer holidays.
Staff Spotlight: Ugwuezi Pearl Akomas
Title:
Academic TeacherPhotos
What is your favorite travel memory?
Coming to Oxford to spend a number of years researching on a topic that is dear to my heart is a favourite travel journey which I'll not forget. It opened me up to the lovely opportunity of interacting and learning from people from a wide variety of cultures and countries. I have learnt a lot about different cultures and more so about the city of Oxford itself.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working for ORA has strengthened my belief in the co-creation of knowledge. It was interesting to see how students from different countries reflected on the economic theories and made an effort to link it to the experiences or incidence from their various cultures and counties, thereby creating richer knowledge.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
When a student has stretched his imagination and tried to apply taught theories to an imaginary business outfit aimed at solving a real economic problem. It has helped me as a teacher to appreciate how much the student apprehended the lesson. It also helped me to discover gaps which I then go ahead to revisit.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I will choose to attend the pre-summer teacher training program. It's rich, updating and exciting. Knowledge is dynamic, so I really appreciate the opportunity to update myself with current information in my profession. It was a good opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas about the best method of facilitating learning.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
My team was very cooperative. The team leader schedules meetings every fortnight where we gather to share our teaching experiences. We share any encountered challenges and brainstorm to find solutions. I was especially proud of my team when we organized a get-together towards the end of the summer teaching. The gathering was a wonderful opportunity to socialize with team members.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The biggest factor is the motivation of both the workforce and the clientele. This two-way motivation should be the top priority of any leadership of an organisation. Motivation is what keeps the wheel of an organisation running.
It is a well-known fact that happy employees are productive employees.
It's important to motivate customers' continuous patronage by through creativity and thoughtfulness channeled towards solving real problems.