Maria Ana Chavana
PhD Education
What field of work/ area of study were you in before returning to education?
Before I started my PhD at York, I had been working at a public university and a private language school in Mexico. I have been teaching English as a foreign language since 1992 and have a special interest in the areas of learner autonomy, learning strategies and study skills. I have been on leave since 2011, after I moved to the UK with my family to accompany my husband in his PhD studies here at York. The idea of being a full-time student and a full-time parent was overwhelming, but fortunately I've found great support among my colleagues in the department, and I must say I love being a student again!
What aspects of studying at York were you most looking forward to before you started? Did they meet your expectations?
Something I was looking forward to was the opportunity to have a place and time to work in a stimulating environment surrounded by people interested in fostering change, with the support of experienced academic staff. Every day I learn something new, from informal chats to seminars and conferences organized by the department, the WRDTC and the ReCSS. There is always something new I can incorporate into my research experience and my life. I enjoy the CRESJ reading group session and the chance to discuss topics different from my topic of research in an informative yet relaxed way.
Could you provide a short summary of what your research currently involves?
My research focuses on exploring the factors associated to completion and non-completion of undergraduate studies in the context of public higher education in Mexico. I am looking at the process students follow from three perspectives, the first year students experience, those who have decided to withdrawn from the programme, and students who have recently completed their courses, sometimes after overcoming the risk of non-completion.
How has the support been from staff in the department throughout your time at York?
Unfortunately, I have faced difficult personal situations that have challenged the progress of my work, but thanks to my family and the support and encouragement of my supervisor and the department, I have been able to continue with my research and stay motivated.
If you hadn't undertaken your research project what sort of skills do you think you would not have developed?
If there is one thing I have learned in my time at York is this: “don’t expect things to be perfectly right, get them done and keep working” I am learning to take risks, to challenge my old ways of doing things. I have improved my personal effectiveness and communication skills in English. I am working on improving my research skills and I am having a good time learning how to use academic software such as LaTex, SPSS, NVivo, EndNote,and Prezi.
What are your plans after your programme?
I am interested in expanding my research to other aspects of participation in undergraduate study and improving the student experience. I want to work in academia and as a consultant, for I would love to combine my passion for research and teaching with my interest in solving practical problems.