10 Questions, 1 Teacher: INTO University of Exeter
This week in 10 Questions, 1 Teacher we spoke to Gerry Hinton at INTO University of Exeter, who teaches on the Graduate Diploma in Management programme.
1. What’s your teaching style?
My style is a combination of fun and wider thinking about the subject, involving the students as much as possible.
2. What do you like most about your job?
The students, they are great. I have some brilliant colleagues, but the students are the best part.
3. What would you be if you weren’t a teacher at INTO?
I would be retired. The students keep me teaching.
4. What was your favourite subject when you were at school?
History and Geography were equal favourites. I loved History because it involved stories about what made us all the way we are. Geography made me want to go and visit lots of places, like Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia. I would still love to go there!
5. What’s the best thing about Exeter?
The location. It’s a very friendly city with so much around it, from the seas to the moors.
6. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like walking, reading, playing the guitar, and being creative. Last year I co-created a play with some local primary school children and a local poet. It was great fun and the children had a real sense of achievement when we presented it to the audience.
7. Which book are you currently reading?
I’m reading three books at the same time and they are placed in different parts of the house. Depending on my mood, I’ll choose what I like. At the moment I am reading one about moral philosophy and ethics, another historical novel and also a detective novel. I managed to find the ‘Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens on my phone the other day too, so I’ve started reading that on the bus!
8. Can you describe an average day’s teaching in three words?
Preparation, involvement, reflection.
9. What have you learnt from your students?
Their lives and their worlds, where they come from and what they do while they are at home. I’ve just asked some of my students to compare their HR practices in business from their home country, with those in the UK. The differences are amazing, it’s fascinating.
10. What one piece of advice would you give to international students?
It isn’t only about studying while you’re in the UK. It’s an opportunity to look at a country and see how it really works. Students should get out and explore this country, its history and its organisations while they are here. They should pack it all into their stay here!
Want to know more about studying at INTO Exeter University? Hear what our students have to say.
