Lecturer in Healthcare and Evidence Advocate with the EEF
I am currently in my seventh year of teaching, with experience across both further and secondary education. I began my career at Stockton Sixth Form College, where I taught Psychology and Criminology for three years before moving to Barnard Castle School as Head of Psychology for a further three years.
Alongside leading the Psychology department, I ran the Law Society and Egalitarian Society, supported students competing in the national Debating Matters Championships on two occasions, and contributed to the delivery of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), helping students develop independent research and academic skills.
I currently work as a Lecturer in Healthcare at Middlesbrough College, teaching on the T Level Health programme. I also serve as an Evidence Advocate within The Evidence Partnership, promoting evidence-informed practice and supporting the application of educational research to enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes across the further education sector.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and the confidence and critical thinking skills students need to succeed both in education and beyond.
Key research interests
My research interests are broad and span several areas of psychology. I am particularly interested in developmental psychology and how people grow, learn, and change throughout the lifespan. I also enjoy exploring cognitive and intellectual psychology, especially topics relating to thinking, memory, intelligence, learning, and decision-making.
I have a strong interest in neuropsychology and biopsychology, particularly in understanding the relationship between the brain, biology, and behaviour. Social psychology is another area that fascinates me, as I enjoy examining how people influence one another and how social environments shape thoughts, attitudes, and behaviour.
Beyond psychology, I am interested in moral reasoning, ethics, and philosophical questions surrounding human nature, consciousness, knowledge, and personal identity. I enjoy exploring how psychological and philosophical perspectives can complement one another in the study of human behaviour and experience.
I also have a keen interest in the English language, particularly etymology and the historical origins of words. I enjoy investigating how language evolves over time and how the development of words reflects cultural, social, and historical change.
Current research projects
My main current project is Dockside Dialogue, a teaching and learning podcast where I explore key topics and debates within education. Each week, I speak with a range of guests, including educators and specialists, about issues that are shaping teaching and learning today. A central focus of the podcast is the use of research evidence, and I aim to ensure that discussions are grounded in current educational research while remaining accessible to practitioners. The podcast provides an opportunity to examine how research can be translated into effective practice and encourages ongoing professional dialogue around evidence-informed approaches to education.
Areas of specialism
My primary area of specialism is communication, particularly public speaking, presenting, and debating. I am passionate about helping others develop the confidence to communicate effectively in a range of settings, from the classroom to professional environments.
Strong communication skills are fundamental to personal and professional success. Through my teaching, I support learners in developing the ability to present ideas clearly, engage in meaningful discussion, and communicate confidently with a variety of audiences.
A key focus of my practice is equipping students with the confidence and professionalism needed for the workplace. By developing their presentation, debating, and interpersonal communication skills, I aim to help learners enter their chosen careers with confidence and a strong sense of self-belief.
Publications
Email: j.sinar@mbro.ac.uk