It has been a busy month, but we are back blogging here and for our networks...
Over the past few weeks, we have been guiding trainee teachers through Module 1 of the Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills). Reflecting on this experience has highlighted both the progress made and the opportunities for further development in our teaching practice. The module introduced several critical themes, including the roles and responsibilities of teaching in the FE and Skills sector, evidence-based practices, and embedding education for sustainable development.
Key Areas of Focus
Evidence-Based Practice:
Introducing evidence-based practice was a key highlight. Encouraging trainee teachers to explore teaching theories and their application in classroom settings deepened their understanding of pedagogical principles. Activities such as analysing the Teaching, Learning and Assessment cycle created engaging and collaborative learning opportunities.
Sustainability in Education:
Embedding sustainability into lessons was particularly rewarding. Discussions around sustainable teaching practices, such as reducing paper use and incorporating digital resources, provided trainee teachers with actionable strategies they could use in their own classrooms. These discussions underscored the importance of preparing learners for a world impacted by climate change, linking education to broader societal goals.
Sustainability in Education:
Encouraging trainee teachers to consider their dual professionalism was a reflective milestone. By aligning their subject expertise with SET teaching standards, they began shaping their professional identities as educators. This was evident in their growing confidence and ability to articulate their teaching philosophies during discussions and tasks.
Challenges and Learning
Time Constraints:
Covering the breadth of topics such as Occupational Standards, teaching strategies, and assessment practices required careful pacing. Moving forward, we plan to integrate additional interactive elements like peer teaching and scenario-based learning to enhance engagement within the time available.
Encouraging Reflective Practice:
Some trainee teachers found it challenging to move beyond descriptive accounts of their teaching experiences to deeper analytical reflections. We introduced reflective frameworks such as Brookfield Critical Lenses to scaffold their thinking, and we plan to revisit this in future modules.
Moving Forward we aim to:
Incorporate more peer-led activities to leverage the group’s collective expertise.
Introduce real-world scenarios to contextualize learning further, particularly for topics like education for sustainable development.
Provide additional resources to support trainee teachers in developing reflective writing skills, ensuring they can critically analyse their teaching practices.
Overall, Module 1 was a success, laying a strong foundation for the trainee teachers’ journeys as FE educators.
Join the Diploma in Teaching (FE&S) Community
Here, we aim to bridge theory and practice for this exciting new qualification. Our discussions cover various topics including Awarding Bodies, ETF Framework, Scheme of Learning, Qualification aims and objectives, recommended books, and additional resources.
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