Staff profile

Michael Croker (FHEA)


Programme Lead - International Foundation Programme (IFP) Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Derby English Language Centre (DELC)

Subject

Access

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Education

Department

International

Campus

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Email

m.croker@derbyac.uk

About

I run the International Foundation Programme (IFP) here at the University of Derby. The programme has been designed to prepare students for study in the UK at tertiary level. It introduces crucial Academic skills needed to support learning while at university and develops English language skills preparing students for English based tuition at the highest level. I also create and tutor sessions on the In-sessional courses provided by the Derby English Language Centre (DELC) and teach on the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses that run throughout the year. 

Teaching responsibilities

Professional interests

Teaching has always been a labour of love for me, wanting to ensure the time that I spend with the students is a meaningful and lasting experience. I always like to create course material and teach sessions that are both interactive and engaging, ensuring the content and teaching approach is aligned with modern standards. Exploring English through current events using active discussion and research encourages both the students and myself to be invested in their learning and helps to offer tailored support throughout their learning journey. 

Research interests

Membership of professional bodies

Qualifications

Recent conferences

University of Derby Learning and Teaching conference 2023: 'Supporting international students with the pedagogy to promote academic success.'

Experience in industry

International experience

Ministry of Education - United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Lead Teacher

Working with the Ministry of Education in the UAE to help reform secondary school education in their switch from an Arabic based curriculum to an English Based curriculum. Curriculum development and materials creation, leading tutor development/support and working with local staff throughout the transition. Working as a tutor alongside this to deliver sessions to IBN Hazm school for boys in Fujairah. 

British Council – Thailand - Tutor

Working at Siam school to deliver British council standard English lessons to young learners. Working with partner schools to develop curriculum around the British council structure. Also working as a British council tutor in their centre in Siam, conducting IELTS preparation lessons and general/business English sessions. 

St John's College - Thailand - Tutor

Working with young adults as a tutor at St John's college in Ladprao Bangkok. Developing materials, assessments and conducting daily structured lessons. 

Additional interests and activities

My passions are playing sports, namely football, golf and tennis, snowboarding and a bit of scuba diving (when I can). I love to travel and seek out new experiences and adventures within different cultures to better understand the nature of the world in its balance and meet the people that make it so.

I've been playing the drums for 10+ years and so a great love of mine is to watch and play live music in local (and not-so-local) venues. When I'm not doing any of these a good movie or book is the perfect way to relax.