Award in Education and Training

This is an introductory course for people who are skilled and qualified in a work related area and want to learn to teach or train others. Known as a 'Gateway' course, it won't equip you to be a fully qualified teacher or trainer, but it is the first step to accessing higher level courses that will do so.

You need to be 19 years or over. You should have achieved or be aiming to achieve a qualification at NVQ level 3 and/or have experience in the subject/skill you wish to teach.

This course is an ideal introduction to teaching giving you an insight into the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training. You'll cover legislation and codes of practice, how to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment and explore the relationships between teachers and other education professionals. You'll learn about inclusive teaching and learning approaches: meeting the needs of all learners, understanding issues of equality, diversity and inclusivity. You'll develop facilitation skills and techniques for motivating learners, planning and delivering your learning and undertaking one-to-one and practical skills teaching. You'll develop an understanding of the principles and practices of assessment through exploring the types, strengths and limitations of assessment methods and how to involve learners in the process.

Through lectures and presentations, discussions, debates and role play exercises. You will observe practical demonstrations and complete reflective writing exercises. There will be some self-study required and you will have access to materials in a virtual learning environment.

This course is assessed via a combination of written coursework and observed teaching practice such as small group teaching sessions and presentations. The teaching will be a simulation of teaching (micro-teaching) to your peers on the course for example a 15-minute microteaching session that is observed and assessed by a tutor. You will also complete an online portfolio of evidence.

You could go into employment in teaching/training support roles in a wide range of organisations in the public, private or voluntary lifelong learning sector including colleges, training providers, adult and community education providers or training departments within organisations. Your employment prospects in the sector would be increased if you move on to to the Certificate or the Diploma in Education and Training.

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