The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Sally's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Sally
I have been at the University since 2005 initially employed to teach podopaediatrics to podiatry students on the BSc (Hons) podiatry programme. Over time my career has developed and was Academic Lead for BSc (Hons) Podiatry (2015-2022), and was Dean of Education for the College of Podiatry (2015-2022) and am currently Head of School for the School of Health Professions. During my time teaching I have become interested in how technology can be used to assist students' learning and have been involved in a number of projects in relation to mobile learning and learning in virtual clinical environments. In 2009 I embarked on my PhD 'Exploring practice-based education in podiatry: an action research project' which I completed in 2014 which focused upon the clinical educator role and effectiveness within the clinical environment. I have subsequently disseminated my research both nationally and internationally, alongside publication of papers. I enjoy working with our students and am committed to ensuring that the undergraduate programme for podiatry equips our students, not only for today's challenges, but for the future too.
Teaching
Research informed placements: Research informed teaching is one of the hallmarks of higher education and underpins my own teaching ethos. I have extended this concept to include the development of research informed learning environments. My PhD research used action research to look at real-life issues and identifying ways to change working practices to resolve them. These changes were subsequently implemented and evaluated and have informed changes to working practices within the placement area, such as the way that clinical educators are recruited into the role and their responsibilities.
Re-usable learning objects: I have a particular interest in developing re-usable learning objects (RSO) for students such as videos and podcasts. This includes the development of a podiatry web-based repository in collaboration with CEPPL where students could access a range of podcasts and vodcasts is an example of flexible delivery developments. In order to populate this site, I was active in producing these resources and assisting colleagues to develop RSOs to support their own teaching. As part of my own teaching library I have produced a video cataloguing the development of gait in a male child from commencement of walking until development of mature gait. I also have a suite of videos for a first year module demonstrating infection control, padding and strapping.
Dean of Education
I undertook the role of Vice-Dean of Education in January 2015 which I held for over two years, before being elected Dean of Education. The Committee of the Directorate of Education is the advisory body on all matters relating to higher education awards with a direct relevance to podiatry, at pre- and post-registration levels. The committee reports to the College of Podiatry Academic Board and has the following aims:
Maintain an overview of all activities relevant to pre-registration training, pre-registration curriculum and post-graduate award bearing programmes relevant to the development of podiatrists
Establishing and maintaining good channels of communication between the providers of accredited programmes and the College of Podiatry
Encouraging the participation of practising podiatrists in the education and training of student podiatrists
Delivering an academic workshop every 2 years
Maintaining a Register of Clinical Educators
Communicating with Government bodies and councils who inform policy and funding for education at pre- and post-registration levels
An important part of the role is to represent the College of Podiatry at a national level with regards to matters relating to education
Contact Sally
InterCity Place, Plymouth Railway Station, North Road East,, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
sally.abey@plymouth.ac.uk
