PCET Initial Teacher Training

Course Materials

Year 1 Induction Learning Activity: The Practice of Teaching and Learning

This activity is designed to be part of the introductory session to the course & the learning/theory input for the first session. It could of course be used else where.

Purpose: 1. To promote trainees’ thinking about their titles & roles.

Purpose: 2: For trainees to recognise that wherever we work what ever our title our professional role is to effectively facilitate the learning & achievement of our learners;

Aims:

  1. To promote & develop cohesion in the trainee group;
  2. To recognise we are all working towards becoming professional educators of others.

Objectives:

  1. Consider the names & variety of titles we give to the role of teaching;
  2. Identify the range of skills encompassed in our profession roles;
  3. Appraise the meaning of the titles we give to our roles;
  4. Analyse similarities & differences in roles within the range of PCET sector.

Preparation:

  1. Have titles & definitions of roles on Handout below, prepared either as a series of laminated cards for use as group matching activity OR as a jumbled handout with titles on one side of page & definitions jumbled on the other for use as individual activity followed by group sharing activity. NB Some titles have more than one definition!
  2. Wipe board for listing titles.

Task for Trainees:

  1. On a sheet of paper write down the professional title you are known by in your workplace or teaching area;
  2. What other titles for your role do you have?

Trainer to list titles on board. Add to titles if not all given. Comment that within the PCET sector there are a wide range of different organisations which are involved in teaching or training.

  1. On your own list complete worksheet by drawing a line from each of the titles to each of the definitions. (2 mins)
  2. In your groups compare & discuss results; (10 mins)
  3. Trainer to visit groups as they come to end of discussion or at end of 10mins & give this question: Which of the definitions do you or would you consider part of your teaching role? (5mins)
  4. Feedback to whole group. Key feedback questions: Does your professional title encompass the full extent of your role or anticipated role? What is the most important role of any professional teacher/educator in Post Compulsory Education Sector?

The answer the group needs to come to or be prompted towards is:

Our professional role is to facilitate LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT of all our learners no matter where we teach or work, whether we are in colleges, training providers, uniformed & public services or private trainer.

Professional Roles

Draw a line between the role title & the correct definition or definitions

(NOTE: we are not necessarily agreeing with these definitions, but using hem to prompt discussion)

Instructorperson who brings others to desired standard of efficiency

Coachtrusted advisor

Tutorsomeone giving specialised tuition

Trainerinform others in subject or skill

imparts information or skill to others

Mentorcauses others to adopt by example or experience

Teacherinstructor of sport

imparts information about a subject

private teacher

directs studies of others

Answers taken from: Oxford Paperback Dictionary 4th Edition 1995

Coach- instructor of sport;

- person giving private specialised tuition;

Instructor- informs others in subject or skill

Mentor- trusted adviser

Teacher - imparts information or skill to others

- causes others to adopt by example or experience

- imparts information about a subject

Tutor - Private teacher

- Directs studies of others

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