Henry Cofie-Squire
Henry pursued postgraduate study in project management and education before he began delivering an accredited mindset course to inmates as part of a reducing offending plan. He shares how his line of work motivated him to attend our Exploring Cognition day event.
'After completing an MSc in Project Management and accumulating a decade of experience in the Third Sector, I pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education. This academic progression strengthened my interest in learning processes, particularly as articulated by the constructivist theories of Piaget and Vygotsky.
'I conceptualise learning as a process in which individuals build upon their existing knowledge base. Consequently, I actively promote lifelong learning and personal development, encouraging participation through practical experience, meaningful relationships, and reflective practice. Through informal discussions with prisoners about the significance of structured learning within formal education, I help inmates recognise their informal learning and apply their skills in legitimate, innovative ways. Since 2015, I have introduced and delivered an accredited Mindset course to more than 3,000 inmates as part of their reducing offending plan.
'Motivated to remain at the forefront of my field, I actively seek professional development opportunities. My search for a course that would develop my professional skills led me to the Exploring Cognition day school. I am confident that my participation in this course has enhanced my professional credibility and will expand future career opportunities.
'Curiosity motivated my engagement from the outset, and I approached the day with an open mind, prepared to discover new ideas to enrich my professional practice.
'I am revising my teaching approach to incorporate new insights from the day about memory and perception as active, constructive processes. By introducing activities that stimulate cognitive skills, I aim to foster critical thinking and confident decision-making. Encouraging learners to challenge assumptions, conduct objective analysis, and consider alternative perspectives supports meaningful self-reflection and facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
'At the beginning of each cohort, I emphasise the value of learners’ life experiences and state that "we don’t know what we don’t know until we know what we didn’t know" to foster openness to new knowledge. As an advocate for lifelong learning, I remain committed to supporting individuals who have left formal education, as well as those who are intellectually curious, in their pursuit of knowledge.
'Lifelong learning fosters adaptability in a rapidly changing world, supports career advancement, and benefits both mental health and cognitive function. Moving forward, I intend to enrol in additional day and weekend events in education and study skills, and psychology and counselling.
'The topics addressed in the Exploring Cognition day school underscored the importance of strengthening short, medium, and long-term memory, which leads to greater cognitive acuity, deeper learning, and enhanced mental well-being; something I will benefit from when I formally retire.'