The title of Doctor of Education was conferred on Craven College lecturer Christine Binner at Huddersfield University last week. The Doctorate was bestowed in recognition of her four year research project which focused on learner reasons for disruptive behaviour in class. Keen to address any issues which can lead to learners not achieving their qualification, the College supported this study; one that has enabled staff to develop an empathetic approach to understanding reasons young people have for disrupting in class. The findings will ensure that the educational provision the College offers incorporates the support young people feel they need.
Dr Binner is married with two children and has worked at the college for the last twenty years. She said it had been a pleasure working with the young people involved in the study and that it was a privilege to have gained their trust sufficiently for them to confide in her their reasons for disrupting. ‘The learners were frank, open and very honest in their revelations and the findings revealed the complex nature of young people’s lives and the impact this can have in the classroom. Many of the learners were struggling to deal with family break-up, financial hardship or learning difficulties but equally they were determined to gain a qualification which could improve their lives’. The study revealed that their journey was often a difficult one, one where they needed that little bit of extra support.
Dr Binner who is Coordinator for Health Studies, Care and Counselling at the College also works for the awarding body Edexcel undertaking quality reviews in other colleges, schools and private training companies. This year her role in this area has been extended to include supervising other Centre Quality Reviewers.
