PI500 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

From September 2007, all new teachers/trainers/tutors/assessors who teach on SFA funded programmes in the lifelong learning sector are required to obtain the threshold associate teaching licence.  The Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award provides this licence to practice.

Course Description

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

The latest PTLLS award (2011) is the first stage in the Initial Teacher Qualifications Framework (2007), and is accredited as the Threshold Licence to teach, with a value of 12 credits. Learners successfully completing this course can then undertake EITHER the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) within five years of completing this qualification, depending upon their job role. The certificate is generally for ‘instructors’ whereas the Diploma is for those in the ‘full-teaching’ role.

It is intended for those who are taking up or planning to take up a teaching role in the Lifelong Learning Sector for the first time, or who are already working in such a role but have yet to gain a suitable qualification.  It is primarily aimed at those who are working or who plan to work within the context of flexible learning and short course delivery.

The objectives of the programme

This programme provides the knowledge that will enable you to:

• Understand your own role, responsibilities and the boundaries of those in relation to teaching
• Understand appropriate teaching and learning approaches for the context of flexible learning in  your specialist area
• Demonstrate session planning skills
• Understand how to provide inclusive sessions which motivate learners
• Understand the use of different assessment methods and the need for record keeping

The structure of the learning programme

The programme covers five areas of knowledge and associated learning outcomes.  It is designed to be completed by individuals working independently via self directed study, with the support of a tutor and/or mentor.  How this support is managed will be the decision of the institution directing your learning and assessment for this award.

Each section contains:

• What you need to know in order to satisfy the learning outcome
• Directions to sources of further information and study
• Activities and self assessments to reinforce learning

The standards of this award:

The new national standards for teachers have been defined and categorised as follows:

• Professional Values and Commitments, Coded ‘S’ (Scope)
• Professional Knowledge and Understanding, Coded ‘K’ (Knowledge)
• Professional Practice Coded ‘P’ (Practice)

The NCC Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award is a unique offering supplied by NCC alone!  This course is solely distance learning and does not require any attendance at a classroom or seminar in order to succeed.

You do have to be assessed teaching to achieve the PTLLS qualification. In appropriate circumstances this can be achieved through submission of appropriate video evidence of the candidate teaching to at least two people, for at least forty minutes (and a maximum of one hour). Alternatively candidates can join other candidates for one day to deliver a ‘micro-teaching session (of their choice) for between twenty and twenty five minutes.

Click here to read more about child care related career paths

Previous Knowledge Required

The good news is that there are no prior requirements to complete the PTLLS course (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector).

Support

You will receive the full PTLLS course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support remotely using methods such as email. Our student support team are also available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. You can be assured that unlimited support is available for your home study PTLLS Certificate course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

Assessment

The included activities are designed to develop and reinforce your understanding of the teaching principles and key concepts and how to apply these to your teaching practice.

Each activity is associated with a particular learning point in the tutorial text, and you should revisit the relevant section when working on the activities.  You should liaise with your tutor or mentor to negotiate a plan for review and assessment of the activities.

Many of the activities will refer to ‘your organisation’. For those not yet employed in, or not yet undertaking a teaching role, this should be interpreted as an organisation with which you hope to take up a teaching or training role.  For example, this might be your current or another employer, a local college, or the institution running your course and managing your assessment.

You can chose to submit your written work at 'level 3' (Advanced ('A') level standard) OR at level 4 (year one of a degree standard, requiring referencing using the 'Harvard' system). Completing your written work at level 4 may be a requirement if you wish to undertake the DTLLS (sometimes called a 'certificate in education in the post compulsory sector'), at a university. However, the PTLLS level 3 and 4 qualifications have the same credit value of twelve credits. You can discuss this further with your tutor if you wish.  Further information and example answers are available.

Modules

• Section 1 – Understanding your teaching role
• 1.1 Your role, responsibilities and boundaries
• Defining your role
• The Modern tutor
• Working with learners
• Staying current
• 1.2 Legislation and Codes Of Practice
• Health & Safety at Work Act
• Disability Discrimination Act
• Privacy and Data Protection Act
• Anti Discrimination Laws
• Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
• National Occupational Standards for Teachers
• 1.3 Meeting The Potential Needs Of Learners
• 1.4 Equality, Diversity and Promoting Inclusion
• Section 2 – Teaching and learning approaches
• 2.1 Approaches To Flexible Teaching And Learning
• Learning styles
• Suitable approaches for flexible learning
• Action Learning
• Cascade model
• Computer Based Training (CBT)
• Constructivist Model
• Conversation Model
• Instructional Learning
• Scaffolding
• Simulation
• Vocational Training
• 2.2 Embedding Functional Skills
• Section 3 – Planning Skills
• 3.1 Planning for Flexible Learning
• Schemes of Work
• Lesson Plans
• Creating a formal plan – why you should
• Creating a formal plan – the process
• Planning the learning outcome – the aim of the session
• Lesson objectives – the main activities
• Planning the assessment methods – the activities that evidence learning
• Lesson activities and Learning Strategies – Quick Reference
• Planning the resources
• Producing a useable plan
• 3.2 Selecting Suitable Resources
• Section 4 – Inclusive, motivational learning
• 4.1 Establishing Ground Rules and Managing behaviour
• Establishing Ground Rules
• 4.2 Engaging and Motivating Learners
• Motivating Learners
• 4.3 Good Practice in Giving Feedback
• Feedback must be timely
• Feedback must be supportive
• Feedback must be understood
• 4.4 Communicating Appropriately With Learners
• Body language
• Your own non verbal cues
• Reading cues from your learners
• Body Language quick reference
• 4.5 Reflective Practice
• References and Further information
• Section 5 – Assessment methods
• 5.1 The Range Of Assessment Methods
• Initial Assessment
• Formative Assessment
• Summative assessment
• Formal Review
• 5.2 Using Formative Assessment
• Assessment should be flexible
• Assessment can be informal
• Assessment should be varied
• Assessment should be fair, accurate and valid
• Assessment should be supportive
• Assessment should be recorded
• Further Reading And Information

Awarding Body

A City & Guilds qualification is proof that you have the right skills to do your job well - which is why so many employers look for people who have one. You can be confident your qualification is well respected within your industry.

City & Guilds qualifications are engaging and rewarding, and can lead to a whole range of fulfilling careers.

For more information about Awarding Bodies click here