Home Level 4 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)
The UK has very recently introduced new teacher training qualifications and the emphasis has been on teachers working with adults, or those over the age of 16. There are three levels of qualifications. The first is Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, also known as PTLLS. This introduces modern methodology and structure and gives potential teachers a framework for teaching.
The new teacher qualification framework consists of a number of units and differently sized qualifications which have been designed to be appropriate for the different teaching roles. It is possible to build up units to achieve the Diploma. The starting point for anyone new to teaching is the Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS), a six credit qualification. This is available at Levels 3 and 4.
There is one unit for this Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification. Our programme covers this at Level 4. It is targeted at those wanting a basic introduction to teaching, and can be regarded as a stepping stone for those wishing to continue at a later date to a full teaching qualification. It is also a mandatory unit which can be transferred to CTLLS and DTLLS qualifications. There are 6 credits for this qualification.
We deliver the qualification through online and face-to-face methods. Our use of an online learning environment makes the course flexible and accessible as students can study in their own time. All the teaching resources required are located in an online classroom where students are able to participate in online discussions with others in your group. They have access to an online tutor who supports, gives feedback and helps advise students on putting together a lesson plan for their first teaching session. This takes place over a period of one week.
The face-to-face method involves the teacher delivering the materials in daily workshops over one week. Students are required to participate in discussions and write reports and a reflective journal.
All learners then have the opportunity of delivering their own lesson on a subject of their choice. This is normally a timed 15 minute session. The lessons are observed and evaluated by a tutor, who will then give feedback. Others in the group are encouraged to evaluate the lessons and students will also be asked to self-evaluate their lesson. After the session there will be a short discussion with the group and tutor. At this stage most people will have completed their qualification, though some may still be finishing their unit statement or reflective journal. This can then be written up and posted back to the tutor that same day.
The programme is designed to be completed in one week, and this allows learners to make decisions on whether they feel that teaching is the right choice for them. It will also encourage them to find out more about teaching and consider whether to continue to the next stage, where more practical teaching in the classroom is required.
Micro-Teach , Teaching Practice & Observation
This is regarded as one of the most exciting parts of the whole PTLLS course: the first opportunity to demonstrate teaching skills. Learners are involved in at least one hour of micro-teaching, with one 15-minute micro-teaching session, which is observed and assessed by a member of the delivery team. For the additional 45 minutes, learners observe others’ delivery. This is an essential part of the learning process and each learner is provided with feedback from the session. It is also essential for anyone wishing to enter the teaching profession to be able to plan, prepare, resource, deliver and evaluate a real teaching situation in order to learn from their own experiences.
Professional Standards & Assessment
All courses relating to teaching in the lifelong learning sector are designed to reflect the Professional Standards produced through Lifelong Learning UK. On achievement a learner is recognised as having occupational competence in the sector, which will be demonstrated in a work context The assessment for the qualification is criterion referenced, based on the achievement of specified criteria. Each of the units contains contextualised pass criteria for unit assessment. The units are internally assessed. Centre assessment will be externally examined by the external examiner, who is appointed annually by awarding body. The overall grading for the qualification is a pass, based upon the successful completion of the units, practical teaching observations and evidence of carrying out a specified number of practical teaching hours in the classroom. This is demonstrated by the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in a practical teaching context. The emphasis is on the ability to develop and apply the skills and knowledge required in the successful delivery of learning.
We will be using a variety of assessment methods, including assignments, case studies and work-based assessments, along with projects, performance observation and time-constrained assessments. There will also be questioning and feedback. Much of the evidence will be in the format of a reflective journal and all learners are encouraged to maintain one of these. Practical application of the assessment criteria in a realistic scenario will be emphasised and maximum use made of practical work experience.
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