Alison Barber

Biographical Summary              

Alison continued her work in Higher Education at Wolverhampton University in 2002, having spent the previous six years at Newman College in Birmingham lecturing in sport related degrees. Her teaching career began in a Secondary School in Berkshire, teaching Physical Education and Maths.

In 1987, Alison began teaching in Sixth Form colleges, and it was here that she became the Head of a Department. Before moving into H.E., Alison taught ‘A’ level Physical Education at Solihull Sixth Form College, and it was during this time that she was able to study for a Masters in Sport Science at Loughborough University.

Alison specialises in Physical Education and Sport Psychology, but has a passionate interest in student support issues and this is where her main focus of research has been, especially focusing on first year undergraduates.

Alison spent most of her life involved in many sports, but played hockey from the age of eleven up until a few years ago. She played for many teams over the years, but experienced her highest playing level in her early forties, playing National League with Hampton in Arden. Retirement from the game a few years ago meant that she had to replace her need for physical activity with a number of other activities.

Today she still likes to jog and cycle, and a four legged addition to the house means walking has become a big part of her life.

Teaching responsibilities

Alison teaches on a variety of modules across the undergraduate curriculum in the Sport and Physical Activity Department. These modules include Academic Skills, Sport Psychology, Child Development, Practical Studies and Research Methods.

Non-teaching responsibilities

Focus on student support issues for the department. This involves looking at retention and progression with Level 4 students

Research Interests

Alison’s research interest primarily lies around student support issues, especially relating to aiding the learning experience of undergraduate first year students. This includes the wide area of learning and teaching, in particular the first year experience and aspects related to blended learning for module delivery.

Qualifications

• 1993: MSc- Sport Science (Loughborough University)
• 1978-1981: B.Ed- Physical Education and Educational Studies (Madeley College of Physical Education, Staffordshire)
• 2002: Diploma in Person Centred Counselling

Employment History

• Wolverhampton University (2002- to date)
• Newman College of higher Education (1995- 2002)
• Solihull Sixth form College (1989- 1995)
• Rutland Sixth form College (1987-1989)
• The Turnpike School, Newbury, Berkshire (1981-1987)

Selected publications

• Al-Nakeeb, Y., Newbery, D., Sarwar, S. and Barber, A. (1998) Physical Activity and Health. Status in a Cohort of College Students. European Journal of Physical Education, 3, (1),
• Groves, M., Smith, J., Bowd, B. and Barber, A. (2013) Encouraging the development of higher-level study skills using an experiential learning framework. Teaching in Higher Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2012.753052
• Hassanien, A. and Barber, A. (2008) An evaluation of student induction in higher education. The International Journal of Management Education, 6 (3), pp.35-43
• Smith, J., Groves, M., Bowd, B., and Barber, A. (2012). Facilitating the development of study skills through a blended learning approach. International Journal of Higher Education, 1(2), pp.108 – 117.

Awards Received

2009: Award for teaching and learning innovation, University of Wolverhampton.