Award in education and training (City & Guilds 6502)

What is the course about?

This course is a short practical course covering the key principles and practice of teaching or training adults over 18 This might be in an educational environment, such as a college, or in other settings. You will explore how adults learn, how to design and deliver inclusive learning, and how to support the progress of your learners. You will also practice teaching with your peers and visit a teacher in action.

The course leads to a national introductory qualification in teaching in the lifelong learning sector. You cannot enrol directly for this course. Use the link 'Start assessment' to fill in an online application form, which includes an initial assessment section. For more information you can also contact us by email on training@citylit.ac.uk or ring us on (telephone temporarily unavailable).

What will we cover?

The course includes topics related to your roles and responsibilities, linked to the four stages of the teaching/training cycle:

Stage 1: Identifying needs - understanding how adults learn, their barriers and motivations
Stage 2: Designing and planning learning - understanding ways to structure active and inclusive learning
Stage 3: Delivering learning - understanding and applying methods that support impactful learning
Stage 4: Assessing and evaluating learning - understanding how to check and record learning and progress and evaluate effectiveness in achieving outcomes for learners.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Reflect on your roles and responsibilities as a teacher/trainer, including codes of practice and legislation
• Plan and deliver sessions in which you:
* use appropriate teaching methods and resources that support active learning in person or online
* check the progress of your learners in appropriate ways, and give constructive feedback to help them achieve
* promote Equality and Diversity
* support the development of other skills eg English, Maths, employability, digital and wider skills
• Plan and deliver a successful microteaching session in which you demonstrate delivery of impactful and inclusive learning

To gain the qualification, you will need to:
• Attend 80% of the course (we strongly recommend 100% attendance, especially on our blended courses)
• Engage with our online resources between sessions, as directed by your trainer
• Successfully complete 3 written assessments of approx 1200 words
• Plan and deliver a successful microteaching session
• Evaluate your microteaching session based on peer and tutor feedback
• Visit an experienced teacher in your subject area and reflect on what you have learned.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a level 3 vocational course for teachers/trainers.

To apply you need to have
- a level 3 qualification in your subject, or provide evidence that you have sufficient knowledge and skills to teach others.
- a level 2 qualificaiton in English (eg GCSE) or demonstrate you are at this level in your initial assessment.

You need to be able to:

• express yourself clearly, fluently and accurately, both verbally and in written English
• research, read, comprehend and extract key information from resources and text
• write concisely, applying accuracy in grammar, punctuation and spelling
• have effective interpersonal and communication skills
• be competent and confident in use of technology and applications
• have good study skills, including time management and organisation to manage independent learning.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course will be mainly online. Your learning will be facilitated through:
• Participating in large and small group activities, eg. brainstorm, discussion, presentation and other active
learning tasks
• Listening to mini lectures from your tutor and asking questions
• Participating in simulated teaching

You are required to participate in all activities; this is an opportunity for you to develop as a teacher/trainer through experiential learning and becoming a reflective practitioner.

For independent study you will need to:
• Access resources from Google Classroom, our online learning platform, and use them to develop your knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and learning
• Organise your study and manage your time efficiently
• Submit draft assignments to given deadlines
• Set targets and review your individual learning plan throughout the programme

To achieve the award you will need to complete 3 written assignments of approx 1200 words, and plan, teach and evaluate a short session in your subject (microteaching).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

We will supply appropriate online learning material and task sheets in the classroom, as required.
Recommended text books are: Gravells, A (2014) The Award in Education and Training - Further Education and Skills. (Revised edn) Learning Matters Limited.
Francis M and Gould J (2014) Achieving your award in education and training: a practical guide to successful teaching in the further education and training sector. London: Sage.

These are available in our student centre and library for loan if it is open. ( It is currently closed due to Covid 19). IThere are many used ones available on Amazon and Francis and Gould is available from the library as an e-book.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Further learning: The next level of teacher training is the Diploma in Education and Training. Unfortunately we do not run these at City Lit but we can offer advice on your next steps.
Employment: You can look for paid/voluntary opportunities in teaching groups of adults in the adult, community and further education sector. You may also want to deliver training in your place of work or consider working as a self-employed trainer.
At the end of your course, your course trainer will discuss your progression and give you appropriate advice on future professional development.