Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

The latest PTLLS award (2011) is the first stage in the Initial Teacher Qualifications Framework (2007), and is accredited as the Threshold Licence to teach, with a value of 12 credits. Learners successfully completing this course can then undertake EITHER the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) within five years of completing this qualification, depending upon their job role. The certificate is generally for ‘instructors’ whereas the Diploma is for those in the ‘full-teaching’ role.

It is intended for those who are taking up or planning to take up a teaching role in the Lifelong Learning Sector for the first time, or who are already working in such a role but have yet to gain a suitable qualification.  It is primarily aimed at those who are working or who plan to work within the context of flexible learning and short course delivery.

The objectives of the programme

This programme provides the knowledge that will enable you to:

• Understand your own role, responsibilities and the boundaries of those in relation to teaching
• Understand appropriate teaching and learning approaches for the context of flexible learning in  your specialist area
• Demonstrate session planning skills
• Understand how to provide inclusive sessions which motivate learners
• Understand the use of different assessment methods and the need for record keeping

The structure of the learning programme

The programme covers five areas of knowledge and associated learning outcomes.  It is designed to be completed by individuals working independently via self directed study, with the support of a tutor and/or mentor.  How this support is managed will be the decision of the institution directing your learning and assessment for this award.

Each section contains:

• What you need to know in order to satisfy the learning outcome
• Directions to sources of further information and study
• Activities and self assessments to reinforce learning

The standards of this award:

The new national standards for teachers have been defined and categorised as follows:

• Professional Values and Commitments, Coded ‘S’ (Scope)
• Professional Knowledge and Understanding, Coded ‘K’ (Knowledge)
• Professional Practice Coded ‘P’ (Practice)

The NCC Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award is a unique offering supplied by NCC alone!  This course is solely distance learning and does not require any attendance at a classroom or seminar in order to succeed.

You do have to be assessed teaching to achieve the PTLLS qualification. In appropriate circumstances this can be achieved through submission of appropriate video evidence of the candidate teaching to at least two people, for at least forty minutes (and a maximum of one hour). Alternatively candidates can join other candidates for one day to deliver a ‘micro-teaching session (of their choice) for between twenty and twenty five minutes.

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