Visiting Lecturing Diaries- Empowering Adult Learners across Borders

Professional Engagement at Innovatus Campus

My journey as a Visiting Lecturer in English at Innovatus Campus (Sri Lanka & UAE) has been both professionally fulfilling and personally transformative. I have been engaged in delivering lectures for a diverse range of degree programs, including

  • MA in English, BA in English & B.Ed in TESOL
  • MA in Education, BA in Early Childhood Education & B.Ed in Education

This experience has provided me with the valuable opportunity to work with both undergraduate and postgraduate students from both Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), each group bringing unique perspectives and learning needs into the classroom.

Working with adult learners, particularly postgraduate students, required me to adapt my teaching approach significantly. Unlike traditional learners, these students come with rich professional backgrounds, practical experiences and clearly defined goals. Therefore, I moved beyond a purely lecture-based method and created a more interactive, discussion-oriented learning environment. I encouraged students to actively participate by sharing their experiences, engaging in critical discussions and connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. This approach not only enhanced their engagement but also made learning more meaningful and relevant to their personal and professional contexts.

Supportive and student-centered Teaching Approach

Understanding that many of these students balance careers, family responsibilities and academic commitments, I ensured that my teaching approach remained flexible, empathetic and supportive. I guided them in developing advanced academic writing skills, improving their formal communication and presentation abilities and building confidence in using English in both academic and professional settings. Continuous encouragement, constructive feedback and recognition of their progress played a key role in motivating them to stay committed to their learning journey.

A Proud Moment- Witnessing my students' success

One of the most memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments of this journey was attending the graduation ceremony, where I had the privilege of witnessing my undergraduate students becoming Bachelor's degree holders and my postgraduate students successfully achieving their Master’s qualifications. Watching them walk across the stage, dressed in their academic regalia, was a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience and perseverance they had demonstrated throughout their academic journey. Many of these students had balanced demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and academic commitments, yet they remained committed to their goals. Having been a part of their learning process, guiding them through assignments, discussions and skill development, made this moment even more meaningful. It was not just a celebration of their success, but also a reflection of their growth in confidence, knowledge and professional identity. Seeing their transformation from learners to accomplished graduates reinforced the true purpose and impact of my role as an educator.




Recognition for Excellence in Teaching

Adding to this unforgettable experience, I was honoured with an award for my excellent service as a Visiting Lecturer at the end of the ceremony. This recognition came as a complete surprise, making the moment even more special and memorable. It served as a validation of my commitment, passion and consistent effort to create a meaningful learning experience for my students. More importantly, it reflected the strong rapport and trust I had built with my learners over time. Being recognised in such a significant academic setting, in front of graduates and fellow academics was both humbling and motivating. It encouraged me to continue my journey for excellence in my teaching practices and to remain dedicated to making a positive impact on students’ academic and professional journeys.



Stepping into the Education Pathway

Another important milestone in my journey is stepping into the Education pathway, an area I had not previously explored in depth. Engaging with Education-focused degree programs allowed me to gain new insights into pedagogical theories, teaching methodologies and learner psychology. It challenged me to think beyond language teaching and consider broader aspects of education such as curriculum design, inclusive teaching practices and student engagement strategies. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to adopt a more reflective and research-informed approach to teaching. As a result, I have been able to expand my academic scope, integrate new strategies into my teaching, and develop a deeper understanding of how students learn in diverse educational contexts.

Reflection

Overall, this experience has significantly shaped my identity as an educator. It has reinforced my belief that teaching is not merely about delivering knowledge, but about inspiring, guiding and empowering learners to achieve their fullest potential. Working with both undergraduate and postgraduate students, especially adult learners, has taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability and continuous learning. Each classroom interaction has contributed to my growth, reminding me that education is a shared journey between the teacher and the learner. As I continue on this path, I remain committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences and supporting students in reaching both their academic and personal goals.

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