Q&A with Kim Insley

Kim Insley is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment.

What was your journey into IOE?

I was originally recruited by a colleague who knew me from Goldsmith’s College as a Professional Tutor. I supported the Primary PGCE teams covering for study leave and ‘recent and relevant’ practice, until I became a Professional Tutor and eventually lead on the Open Learning Part Time PGCE. I then progressed to leading the Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies which became the Advanced Educational Practice programmes at both Master's and honours levels. I then developed interest and expertise in international teacher education which I now research. I have been at IOE for 25 years this year (2021/22) and seen many developments and changes working with three different IOE departments.

What is the focus of your research?

My research is within teacher education – focusing on the complexities of learning within different cultural settings including different experiences of education.

I hope that the benefits from my research will inform those who work in different countries to shift their focus of ‘this is the best way to do it’ (whatever 'it' is) to ‘let’s work together to find out the best way for your country’s / school’s needs’.

What's the most important thing you've learned from your students?

To listen to them and let them ask questions of me, rather than me ask questions of them.

What might it surprise people to know about you?

Just four years ago, at the age of 60, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. This has proved empowering, and has helped me understand what I am and just how much anyone can do and learn and develop.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy the team work most of all. Working together means that we all develop and learn. After that, it has been the international work and the opportunity to work with so many different cultures in different countries. We don’t ‘tell’ anyone what to do: we help build capacity by working alongside each other.

I’ve learnt so much in the last 10 years through this work! My colleagues are very important and enable me to achieve."

How do you think being London-based benefits what you do?

I grew up in West Wales, and being in London as a teacher, Lecturer and now Associate Professor, means I am situated in a diverse culture. It is still a ‘London’ diversity, and not the same as being in other countries, but being here in London and at UCL has meant I can make mistakes and learn from them.

The experience transfers to working more openly with others, both here in London, but also globally.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

The Advanced Educational Practice programmes (Master's and Graduate Diploma) and within my Innovation and Enterprise work, the ‘scoping visit’ as a powerful tool to begin developing relationships with colleagues in other countries.

What other subjects outside of your area of specialism interest you?

Both Music and Mathematics have been subjects within my research frame but which I no longer research. This does not mean that they no longer interest me! Having started my career in primary teaching, first in Liverpool and then London, I have developed a range of strategies that are transferable.

Last updated 28 July 2023.

Kim Insley. Image permission: Kim Insley.

View Kim Insley's research profile (IRIS)

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