Richard Cashman
Lecturer in EAP
Biography
Rich is a Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at the University of Chester, with key responsibilities including China Co-coordinator for the EAP department, where he facilitates collaboration between the university and its partner institutions in China. In addition to teaching and developing academic English materials for Medical and Biomedical Science students, Rich is involved in delivering bespoke courses on UK teaching methodologies to Chinese lecturers, both online and face-to-face. As a founding member of the University of Chester's AI Special Interest Group (SiG), he is also engaged in exploring the role of AI in language learning and teaching. Before joining Chester, Rich held the position of Senior EAP Tutor at the University of Dundee, where he led a team of tutors and developed an accelerated foundation course, alongside other academic initiatives. Rich brings a diverse background of international teaching experience, having worked at Huangshan University in China, where he designed EAP syllabi and transitioned them to online formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teaching and Supervision
Rich teaches a variety of EAP courses, focusing primarily on academic English for Medical and Biomedical Science students. He also develops and manages pre-sessional EAP courses and supervises postgraduate students on their dissertation projects, supporting them through the research and writing processes. Rich enjoys incorporating innovative teaching methodologies into his courses and frequently engages in reflective teaching practices, where participants analyse the methods taught in real-time. He is passionate about enhancing the learning experience through interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of AI into educational frameworks.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Rich is currently researching the relationships between academic self-efficacy, student socialisation, and student success. Additionally, he is exploring how advancements in AI can impact language assessment and curriculum design. Rich has a strong interest in Legitimation Code Theory (LCT), which he is using to develop innovative approaches to teaching essay structures in academic writing. He is also involved in pursuing BALEAP accreditation for the University of Chester’s EAP department, with a focus on maintaining academic rigour and innovation in teaching practices.