Brenda Dunn

Brenda Dunn

Biography

Brenda Dunn trained as a primary teacher in the early 70s, and taught in several schools in Scotland. She worked in an Educational Priority Area (EPA) school (1976-78), where the school became part of the community, there was a lower pupil-teacher ratio (1:22) making it possible to cater for each child's individual needs and where there was partnerships with the parents. She learned that every child has potential if there is a nurturing environment, which encourages children to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities allowing them to set their own goals for learning. During her years as a primary teacher, she had the privilege of working with many children and families, and many excellent colleagues; she learned a great deal from them all.

In 1987, she commenced work as a lecturer in Further Education. She held a cross-college position for Communications/PSD; Academic Studies; Open Learning and Social and Health Studies before devoting herself to childcare. This eventually led to her becoming Programme Leader in Child Care at both Dundee College and Glenrothes College (now Adam Smith) and latterly shared the post of Head of Care. This experience has developed her pedagogy and given her insight into the key issues impacting upon childhood practice. Being a reflective practitioner and a lifelong learner, she likes to keep abreast of current thinking and new developments in education.

Now working as a member of the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education at Dundee, her responsibilities include Programme Director for BA Childhood Practice and pre-service teaching with B.Ed. students, together with organising CPD for practitioners in child care. Her CPD work now focuses mainly on childhood practice and early years.

When not working she enjoys family life in Fife. She has an interest in sports and tries to make time for ice skating and dance. Presently, the emphasis is on finishing the house and gardening.

Qualifications

• Dip.Ed. (Dundee College of Education)
• B.A. (Open University)
• M.Ed. (University of Dundee)

Research Interests

• Creativity
• Global citizenship and sustainability in early years
• Early-years methodology
• Implementing Curriculum for Excellence
• E-pedagogy for distance learning

Teaching

• Childhood Practice
• Research methodology
• TQ(FE)
• Pre-service teaching

Administration

• Programme Director for BA in Childhood Practice
• Member of College Board
• Member of Distance Learning Forum
• Member of research groups: Pedagogy; ePIC
• Chair of Childhood Practice Providers Group
• Member of Childhood Practice Development Group; Dundee Training Strategy Group; Early Years Framework; SERA Early Years Network: Children in Scotland

Publications