We spoke with Pen Williams, an Education PhD student and doctoral researcher at the School of Education, who recently won the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play Special Interest Group (SIG) Best Presentation Award at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference. She told us all about her journey at the School of Education so far – progressing from her Masters degree to her PhD – to her specialist research interests and her reaction to receiving the prestigious award this year.
Tell us a little bit about you!
I’m currently in the third year of my PhD at the School of Education and am busy analysing the data I collected earlier this year! Before returning to full time study, I was a secondary teacher for about 20 years, teaching English in schools and colleges in and around Bristol. I also work with the Global Goals Centre on delivering their workshops based on the sustainable development goals. Other than that, I’m a mum, proud Bristolian and season ticket holder at Ashton Gate for the Bristol Bears!
What inspired you to study at the School of Education, University of Bristol for your Masters degree and PhD?
I’m committed to the empowerment and joy that can be generated through education. I loved teaching and wanted to take things further. I did my MSc part time while still in the classroom but was bitten by the research bug while carrying out my dissertation and knew I had to find a way to come back for my PhD – which I managed to do after a short break. There was no question that I’d not come back to Bristol as I been so well supported and encouraged in my application by the staff here.
What do you love most about the School of Education?
I still can’t really believe that this is what I get to do day to day – being able to return to study after having a career feels like a real privilege. The staff are amazing, and I’ve made great friends. I love the location of the School and have benefitted from the opportunities and support offered by both the School of Education and the Bristol Doctoral College. I feel really encouraged to take risks and grab opportunities with both hands.
Can you tell us a little more about your research interests?
My research interests are outdoor learning for citizenship, creative methods and critical pedagogies. My fieldwork was an outdoor-based photovoice project with post-16 students in the Southwest of England, exploring their views on citizenship and the relationship between local, national and global issues. For this project, I developed a form of ‘compact’ photovoice as pedagogy and method, utilising local outdoor spaces. The process culminated in a physical exhibition of participants’ photographs, curated by the participants themselves which can be viewed via the online gallery.
‘I love the location of the School and have benefitted from the opportunities and support offered by both the School of Education and the Bristol Doctoral College. I feel really encouraged to take risks and grab opportunities with both hands.’
How did you find out about the opportunity to present your research at the BERA Annual Conference 2024?
My supervisor, Angeline Mbogo Barret, suggested I submit an abstract which I did – very close to the deadline- not really expecting it to be accepted. When I received the acceptance email with details of the reviewer feedback I was surprised and very happy to be part of the conference. I was asked to prepare a presentation based on my abstract that would last 20 minutes. I thought that that would be a lot of time to fill but it turns out I am beginning to have quite a lot to say about my research!
Congratulations on winning the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play SIG Best Presentation award for your research! How did it feel finding out that you had won?
Thank you! I actually received the email as I was walking down Park Street at the end of a long day and got some strange looks as I congratulated myself out loud! It was exciting just to be nominated, and I genuinely never expected to win. I’m thrilled and very grateful to the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play SIG for the prize.
Can you tell us more about the award and what it means to you?
I was presenting on the question ‘why did I collect my data outside and what makes that data so powerful?’ This facet of my research is important to me and having the opportunity to present this aspect of my fieldwork– and be challenged on it – was extremely useful. Winning the prize based on the presentation has been a real confidence boost. It was great to hear that the SIG convenors had enjoyed my presentation and been impressed by the discussion that followed.
What have you been up to since winning the award?
Right now, I’m a teaching assistant on two undergraduate units (which I love) and I’m taking every spare minute I can to analyse my data and write! I’ve submitted abstracts for two more conferences next year and a major goal of mine over the next few months is to have a manuscript accepted for publication.
We know that you’re also a PGR rep this year… can you tell us a little bit more about your role?
The priority for the reps in the School of Education has been community building – the number of students coming together to socialise and study had reduced post-COVID and we felt that this would be a good place to focus our energies. We’ve arranged coffee mornings, writing retreats and helped with other school-wide events. There are issues we have been working to support and day to day we are on hand for any problems, practical questions or just a chat. My term of office is up in the New Year – but it’s been so interesting to get an idea of how the School works and to meet so many fellow PGRs.
What advice would you give to other students considering joining the School of Education for their Masters or PhD?
Do it! Have a look through the unit catalogues online to get a feel for the different MSc pathways. If you’re considering a PhD, look into the research centres within the school for an idea of the groups you can be part of – they are supportive communities of staff and fellow students and there are so many opportunities to take up. You’ll also get to have lunch with the squirrels on Brandon Hill – what’s not love?
We wish Pen all the best of luck with the rest of her studies!
Find out more about our Education PhD programme:
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/education/study/doctoral/
