Will Henniker

At the core of my teaching philosophy is my commitment to the student experience and fostering an environment that values and incorporates student voices.

In my current role as a Game Design lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, I guide students through the intricate stages of our Final Major Project within our undergraduate program. This involves comprehensive instruction in Pre-production, Development and Iteration, and Release and Exhibit.

Simultaneously, I serve as the Foundation Year Lead for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Education, where my primary focus is on optimizing student continuity and success at level 4 by enhancing the integration of Level 0 students into their undergraduate degree pathways and overall improvement and continuation of the student experience.

My involvement extends to our Master of Game Design program, where I deliver two modules. These modules delve into game design theory, specifically emphasizing Iterative Play-Centered and Persuasive Game Design. Students actively apply these theories to practical projects involving mini-games and board games.

My proficiency as a developer, designer, and educator synergistically enables me to design and deliver modules that are both effective and engaging. The tangible outcomes of this approach are reflected in consistently high National Student Survey (NSS) scores, student-nominated and staff nominated awards, and our program’s noteworthy rise to the top 3 in the country for Animation and Game Design.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2023/sep/09/best-uk-universities-for-animation-game-design-league-table

In my pursuit of continuous improvement, I am currently working towards my PGCAP qualification. This endeavour is driven by a dedication to integrating academic theory into my teaching practices, ensuring that I stay abreast of the latest pedagogical approaches and continually enhance the student experience.

Beyond the confines of formal education, I actively contribute to the extracurricular landscape by organizing and supporting students in various activities, including managing a board game club and coordinating exhibits and competitions. This holistic approach aims to create a rich and fulfilling educational experience for students both inside and outside the classroom.