Lyndsey Carmichael

About me:

As an Associate Lecturer at Exeter College, I deploy an academic and rigorous approach to teaching English. In conjunction, I serve as an Associate Lecturer for INTO Partnerships, playing a significant role in the pre-sessional programme at the University of Exeter.

My transition into academia was informed by a diverse professional background. I previously served as an Executive Assistant in several global banks, managed familial commitments, worked in various teaching roles (EAL, ESOL, and EFL) in independent, state, and summer schools. Moreover, I served as a British Army Reservist in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (AGC), an experience that entailed operational tours overseas.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Education, under the supervision of Prof. Salah Troudi and co-supervised by Dr. William Pearson. My research is centred on “The experiences of international higher distance education students from a UK perspective”; a topic motivated by my own experiences as a distance-based student.

My scholarly credentials include a BA in American Studies from Canterbury Christchurch University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English for Academic Purposes (TEAP) from the University of Leicester, and an MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL from the University of Kent. In addition, I hold a CELTA certification. These qualifications collectively form the bedrock of my pedagogical approach and continue to guide my teaching practices.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-carmichael-42b8a4175/

Research Unit:
Office: Desk 19, North Cloisters, St Lukes Campus
Research Project:

"The expereinces of international postgraduate distance learning students: A UK persepctive."

This research project embarks on a detailed exploration of international students' experiences in distance learning programmes offered by UK institutions. With the surge in distance learning catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding the perspectives of international students becomes ever more critical. This project aims to offer insights into the factors influencing the decision to study via distance learning, students' experiences during the programme, and the subsequent impacts on their academic outcomes and overall satisfaction.

The research will address the following key areas:

The motivations, perceptions, and decision-making processes of international students when choosing UK-based distance learning programmes.

Their experiences with aspects such as course delivery and design, culture and language considerations, support services, feelings of belonging and community, technology use, and feedback and assessment.

The broader implications of these experiences for the design and delivery of effective distance learning programmes.

Utilising an interpretivist framework, the study will adopt a qualitative approach incorporating a fully qualitative survey and open-ended interviews. Initial findings from a pilot survey will guide the subsequent primary data collection stages.

The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights for educators, policy makers, and administrators within the realm of international distance learning. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within this context, the research aims to contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of distance learning programmes for international students in the UK.

Research Supervisory team:

• Prof. Salah Troudi
• Dr. William Pearson

Research Wider Research Interests:

• Teacher and student experiences in online pre-sessional English programmes
• Students perceptions of EAP programmes.