Palak Dalal
Palak Dalal graduated from MA Educational Leadership in 2020 and now works as Academic Excellence Manager, supporting and monitoring teaching in private schools.
On choosing my course
MA Education Leadership from the University of Manchester offered a wide range of modules ranging from leading change in education to theories of learning and teaching.
These modules allowed me to engage in discourse about learning and teaching practices along with effective leadership and school improvement strategies. This assisted me in being able to connect my prior experience with theories and added value in developing my knowledge and skills in a more wholesome manner.
Additionally, according to the 2018 QS rankings, the university has been ranked among the top 50 universities for education and training in the world.
On my career development
I now work as an Academic Excellence manager, supporting and monitoring learning and teaching across 15 affordable private schools. My day-to-day tasks entail:
- Training teachers, observe classes, coach teachers and conduct parent engagement events to ensure support for students in the learning process.
- Analysing student and teacher performance data to plan for effective learning
- Working and supporting School leaders on day to day running of the schools
I have been working in the education sector, right from the time of completion of my undergraduate degree. Studying at the University of Manchester allowed me to strengthen my passion for the sector and also helped me add a lot of knowledge and skills. The University gave me the opportunity to interact with students from different countries and helped me deepen my understanding of the education sector at an international level. I also got to interacts with peers from other fields and careers and helped me understand the interrelatedness between education, development, medicine, finance and international peace.
On how my course set me up for my career
The course helped me develop a critical mindset and approach. I am now more inclined to critically analyse any claim that is made and endeavour to always support my claims and assumptions with requisite evidence. This has helped me improve the quality of the relationship I share with the schools, teachers, parents and peers that I work with. It has also allowed me to me feel confident about how to present my case and use evidence to ensure I can maintain an objective outlook.
On my learnings
Being a Teach for India (Teach for All) Fellow, I was made to believe that all western teaching practices were the best, the course forced me to question that belief. I now actively work towards finding contextualised local research to support theories and practices I propose to my teachers. I also actively listen to them and take all possible steps to ensure a more contextualised approach.
On my advice for prospective students
Research your course, read up about your professors, their experience and expertise and mostly importantly actively participate. You will gain from the course only as much as you invest. Just completing the readings is not good enough, actively engage in the seminars, ask questions during the lectures and take ownership of your learning!