Lifelong learning journey leads a Senior Lecturer at UWTSD to a Doctorate.
The adage “No one is too old to learn” has been proved true by Dr Nanna Ryder, a senior lecturer in education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and a farmer’s wife from Cwmsychbant who has graduated with a Doctorate in Education (EdD).
Nanna decided to return to higher education to study a degree in Early Years Education in Trinity College, when she was nearing the age of forty, after her children had grown up. She graduated with a first class degree before returning the following year to complete the Graduate Certification in Primary Education.
Following a period working as a teacher in Ceredigion, she returned to UWTSD as a lecturer in the field of education and inclusion. Since then, she has fulfilled a number of roles within the Faculty of Education and Humanities and is now Director of the MA Education (Wales) programme.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Dr Ryder said:
“I truly appreciate every opportunity this University has given me to develop professionally and personally. Certainly, receiving my doctorate this year has been one of the highlights of my career.
“The Doctorate in Education course was a great fit for me as the modular structure and the clear time limits worked well alongside full time work, family life and the demands of the farm. Moving on to the dissertation, I would certainly have given up, if it weren’t for the tireless encouragement and support of my supervisors, who were always ready to listen and give prudent advice. An extra bonus was being able to present all of the work through the medium of Welsh.”
Dr Ryder’s research focused on learners’ emotional and social well-being in the context of the Curriculum for Wales, following a case study in two primary schools.
She added:
“I am gratefully indebted to the pupils and staff who opened their doors to me during a challenging time following the Covid-19 restrictions. More importantly, they welcomed me into their communities and shared their experiences and opinions about wellbeing in the classroom so honestly.”
Following her graduation ceremony in the Brangwyn Hall, Dr Ryder said:
“It was a great privilege to receive my doctorate today, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported my on this journey, especially my family and friends.
It was also a privilege as Director of the MA Education (Wales) programme, to share the stage with a number of education practitioners who were receiving their Master’s degrees. I hope that many of them, in the years to come, will consider following the same path and register on the Doctorate in Education programme.”
Nanna’s story is testament to the value of lifelong learning and is an example of how higher education can open up new opportunities at any time in life. Her success also reinforces the University of Wales Trinity St David’s commitment to support learners and academics to develop through the medium of Welsh.
Nanna’s research focus was a case study of emotional and social wellbeing in the context of the Curriculum for Wales in two primary schools. She added, I am greatly indebted to the learners and staff who let me in through their doors at a challenging time following the Covid-19 restrictions, but most importantly for letting me into their hearts, and sharing their opinions and experiences so honestly about wellbeing in the classroom.
Following the graduation ceremony in the Brangwyn Hall, Nanna said:
“It was a privilege to receive my doctorate today, and I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has helped me, but most of all to my family and friends for the support they have given in order for me to reach the end of this journey. It was also a privilege as Director of the MA Education (Wales) programme, to share the stage with a number of education practitioners who were receiving their Master degrees. Hopefully in a few years time, these also will consider following the Doctorate in Education course.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476