Dr Maryam Shloevar
Assistant Professor
PhD
My approach to education revolves around collaborative learning, where both educators and learners actively engage in a shared journey of discovery. I believe in fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that values each student's unique perspective and fosters critical thinking.
I'm passionate about creating interactive assignments that encourage creative expression and critical evaluation. Whether it's through video-making or other innovative tasks, these assignments empower students to take ownership of their learning, leading to higher motivation and retention.
Collaboration is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and external organisations enriches our curriculum and ensures its relevance to professional challenges. My commitment to personalised student support extends to my role as a personal tutor, providing individualised guidance to help students overcome academic obstacles.
As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I'm dedicated to continuous professional development. Securing scholarships and participating in pedagogical workshops enables me to integrate cutting-edge techniques into my teaching, enhancing the student learning experience.
I'm driven by a commitment to exploring topics with theoretical depth and practical relevance. My research interests span gender dynamics, financial behaviour, trust in services, and innovative teaching methodologies. I aim to generate new knowledge through engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing critical issues in these areas.
Areas of interest
- Personal Finance, Micro Economy, Management, African Studies, Gender Studies, Organisational culture and structure
Qualifications
- Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE)
- CMI Membership
- Aurora by Advance HE
Background
Maryam's journey in academia and research began at Jimma University in Ethiopia, where she taught undergraduate courses. Here, she observed a striking contradiction: academic literature often depicted women as having lower financial literacy, yet in reality, they managed finances proficiently. This discrepancy sparked Maryam's dedication to enhancing global financial literacy and promoting business concepts.
Her commitment led her to SOAS, University of London, where she was awarded an AXA scholarship. At SOAS, Maryam introduced a new definition of financial literacy, backed by data from her £1 million ESRC-funded fieldwork.
In 2022, Maryam moved to Edinburgh to join SOSS as an assistant professor. Upon her arrival, she actively engaged with the community, joining CREWs and leading EDI initiatives. Embracing inclusive education, Maryam integrated innovative, practice-oriented teaching methods with support from the Learning & Teaching Academy.
Maryam's achievements include earning her PhD from SOAS, receiving the FHEA designation, and winning a Case Teaching Scholarship from the Case Centre. Through her work, Maryam is passionately committed to creating impactful learning experiences for her students and stakeholders worldwide.