Linda Lafferty

Since joining the University, Linda's work has encapsulated commercial consultancy and the design of bespoke development interventions for both public and private sector organisations (whilst initially working in the Business School); the development (and mentoring) of several cohorts of online tutors (from across the Business School, School of Education and a large Scottish trade union), the design, development and delivery of a series of ‘etaster’ events and other wholly online interventions. For example, programmes, individual modules and associated activities such as online induction and online student/staff liaison group meetings. Having led, and taught across a range of subjects on, the MEd Advanced Professional Studies (Chartered Teacher) programme until its formal withdrawal from the Division of Education’s portfolio in August 2014, Linda subsequently led the Pg. Certificate Coaching and Mentoring and the MEd Enhanced Educational Practice until their withdrawal from the School of Education and Social Sciences' portfolio in 2022. Linda's involvement in the day to day operation of each programme spanned the complete ‘student experience lifecycle’ and included the provision of academic, technical and pastoral support for learners and online tutors whilst ensuring that programme delivery was compliant with the University’s Regulatory Framework, other internal quality assurance/enhancement processes and Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) requirements. 

Continuing to apply (and promote with all learners) an evidence informed approach to professional practice, Linda is currently academic lead for the Mental Health and Education specialism which forms one pathway within the Division's part-time MEd Education Studies. With an on-going interest in psychometrics/personality profiling, Linda is a registered test-user on the British Psychological Society’s Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU), a member of the Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Summary of related interests

Coaching and Mentoring

Lifelong Learning/Continuing Professional Development

Training and Development

Management and leadership development

Psychometric Testing/Personality Profiling

Technology Enhanced Learning

Programme design (general and bespoke interventions)

To date, Linda has combined programme development and teaching related commitments with ‘professional’ publication requests; contributing case studies/articles for professional bodies such as the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy), Learn Direct Scotland and Education Scotland (formerly Learning and Teaching Scotland) as well as providing a ‘showcase presentation’ at a Direct Learn (online) conference to a global audience. Additionally, Linda has undertaken personal (unpublished) research in the areas of online pedagogy (as part of an MEd degree with a focus on technology enhanced learning), co-mentoring and the design and implementation of digital media assets.

With depth and breadth of experience in designing, implementing and leading very large to moderate sized wholly online programmes, in general terms, Linda is keen to engage in more formal research activity in the area of technology enhanced learning (current and emergent themes). Linda is also interested in exploring potential research themes which might particularly enable her to combine interest(s) in training and development, teaching/learning, coaching and mentoring and/or management and leadership development with personality profiling. 

Local Authorities (Learning and Education departments; schools)

Small, medium and/or large size public, private and voluntary sector companies and organisations