THE LIFELONG LEARNING SECTOR

Lifelong Learning Sector

Lifelong Learning Sector

Introduction

In the UK, all teachers working in further or adult education settings must achieve the new Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills teaching standards. 'Delivering Employability Skills' is an optional unit on the UK's Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualifications. Trainees undertaking this unit, or existing teachers wishing to refresh their understanding of delivering employability skills as part of continuing professional development, will find this learning invaluable. With links to the professional standards and practical activities and examples throughout, this learning supports delivery of the subject in a variety of settings. (Veronica 2001:2)

Discussion

Sometimes also termed post-compulsory education, these courses are for teachers working in further education, sixth form colleges, school sixth forms, work-based training and adult and community education and training. (Terrace 2002)

All these courses are endorsed by LLUK, the government body that regulates teacher training in the sector and will help one work towards gaining Qualified Teacher Status (Learning and Skills), QTLS.

These courses lead to a set of teacher training qualifications that by government requires teachers in the sector to obtain. (Plewis & Preston 2001:5) This course, PGCE (professional), is for those teachers working in a full teaching role in the Lifelong Learning Sector (see web pages above for details about the 'full role')

The award provides one with a government approved qualification that will allow one to practise as a Full Teacher in the Lifelong Learning sector. The PGCE (Professional) award also supports one in applying to the Institute for Learning (IFL) for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS), (Frazer 2000:88) the equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status for those teaching in, for instance, further, adult and community education and work-based education and training.

The award is designed to support one in achieving LLUK recognised professional status as one develop as an excellent practitioner by developing his professional capabilities in becoming self-evaluative and reflective education professionals, planning, resourcing, (Coffield 2000:288 ) managing, assessing and evaluating learning in his specialist area, managing the wide range of Lifelong Learners to be found in the sector, growing his understanding of the Lifelong Learning Sector and of how one might play an active role in its future development and working as part of a team of education professionals.

Thus, one will build on his knowledge and experience through study at higher education level in order to enhance understanding of their current professional roles. In addition this will provide a route towards obtaining professional qualifications at a higher level. It is designed specifically for people who need to combine work and study. (Cheesman 2002:28)

In addition to working as a Full teacher in the sector for two years and being observed teaching throughout this time, one will study the following modules as part of a common first year with DTLLS students. (Hull 2000) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, acts as a basic, practical introduction to teaching in the lifelong learning ...