UK Centre for Materials Education
Working with you to enhance the student experience
Working with you to enhance the student experience
This Scheme provides an opportunity for final year undergraduates to gain valuable transferable skills by giving them first hand experience of science education. At the same time, the scheme will provide teachers with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic assistant who will offer practical help and engage pupils in science and mathematics.
In contrast to many of the undergraduate voluntary schemes, UAS-based courses allow undergraduates to gain academic credit for their work in schools in the form of a course unit or module, so participation in the scheme means they receive credit directly as part of their degree. This brings much more structure and commitment to working in the classroom than can be achieved on a voluntary basis, helps define the benefits to all parties and increases uptake by undergraduates.
UAS helps to develop a range of key transferable skills in the undergraduate, including gaining confidence in communicating their subject, developing strong organisational and interpersonal skill, and understanding how to address the needs of individuals, all of which will be of benefit to them in employment and in life. In addition, the undergraduate will have learned to devise and develop science projects and teaching methods appropriate to engage the relevant age group they are working with. The value of these skills has been recognised by a growing list of professional institutions that endorse UAS. The scheme will also offer an early taste of teaching for those undergraduates who are interested in pursuing teaching as a career.
