Dr Maryann Preece PhD
First starting her educational journey at the University of Worcester in the late 1990s, Dr Maryann Preece graduated with a PhD looking into the emotional well-being of learners in post-compulsory education.
Key findings from the research identified specific teaching practices that supported each area of the PERMA theory (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments). This included greeting learners, teachers’ movement around the classroom while teaching, the use of positive descriptive praise, inclusion of a range of activities and group tasks during lessons, building on learners’ interests or work experiences, and the use of practices such as the ‘think, pair and share’ method of questioning. The findings also revealed the impact that different teaching practices had on learners and how teacher’s enjoyment of their own lessons also increased as a result.
Commencing her doctoral studies in 2019, Dr Preece’s doctoral studies spanned the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overcoming challenges with data collection, the impact of the pandemic on learners' emotional well-being highlighted the importance of her research for the education sector.
After completing her studies whilst working full time as a teacher and Head of Department in a Sixth Form college, Dr Preece has now founded Effervescent Education. This enables her to offer education consultancy and teacher CPD to support teachers in the implementation of the findings of her research, and beyond, to work towards consistently outstanding teaching which enhances not just learner achievement but also improves their emotional well-being and enjoyment of their educational journeys.
Reflecting on graduation, Dr Preece says it felt “Fantastic. Very empowering and gives me a belief that you can achieve when you really put your mind to it. All the staff have always been so incredible supportive which makes the difference between make or break. I will be entirely grateful to my supervisory team for all their hard work and support throughout my journey.”