Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

If you are interested in embarking on a career that involves teaching or training adults or over 16s, you will need the PTLLS award. This stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, and it is a requirement for anyone looking at working as a teacher, instructor or trainer on any programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council or in Further Education colleges. The qualification is regulated by the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) under the direction of OfQual.

The PTLLS award is intended as a basic introduction to teaching, which you need regardless of the actual subject in which you will be specialising. The aims of PTLLS courses are primarily to introduce you to teaching as a profession, its responsibilities and its boundaries, and also to the principal education theories and how to integrate them into your teaching approaches. The aims also include ensuring you have the required communication skills, and helping you to understand the importance of self-evaluation, in order to develop your competence.

The actual training for PTLLS requires 30 hours of teaching, and you can choose among courses that break these hours down in different ways, for instance either three hours’ teaching time per week over 10 weeks, or an intensive course for one week. Most people recommend the former, as the intensive course makes it difficult to fit in the preparation and assignment time. It is also possible to do the training via distance learning, in which the teaching hours can be more flexible. As well as the 30 hours of teaching, the training involves 20-30 hours of non-classroom time. To gain the award you have to do five theory assignments over the period of the training. You will also have to undertake a 30-minute micro-teach delivered to your colleagues, with feedback and assessment.

You can gain the award at either level 3 or level 4, depending on which is considered more appropriate for you. There is no difference in the classes or the course content, and the level you go for depends partly on the amount of previous experience you have, and partly on how you perform on the assignments. People who have taken the course recommend aiming at level 4. If you find the assignments slightly too difficult, you can still gain the award at level 3.

The main modules of the PTLLS training are designed to cover the theory and practice of teaching. They include a module on introduction to adult learning, including learning styles and the basics of instructing in different environments. It also includes barriers to learning and strategies for dealing with them, how to motivate learners, and ways of supporting students with special educational needs.. There will also be modules on approaches to teaching and learning, planning of programmes and lessons, and lesson delivery. A further module teaches assessment and evaluation, including good record keeping. This is essential in order to learn how to assess your students’ progress, and how to evaluate it over time, so that you can be very clear how to help each individual student.. As well as the five theory assignments, you will be expected to keep a reflective learning journal, and build up a portfolio of evidence on how you have reached your competencies.

The PTLLS award is only the first step, and is intended to lead on to the CTLLS and DTLLS (certificate and diploma courses). In addition, you will need a minimum Level 3 qualification in the subject you will actually be teaching, or A level if it is an academic subject – many course directors require a higher level. At all qualification levels, GSS can assist you in finding the best quality of training to ensure you achieve your goals..

Level 3 Award In Preparing To Teach In The Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

The HABC Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) is ideal for new entrants into the teaching industry. It is also ideal for anyone currently teaching or who wishes to teach their subject specialism to others.

If you are a trainer involved in providing funded Work Based Learning (WBL), you may also be required to obtain PTLLS in order to satisfy funding requirements.

The PTLLS Award consists of five sections:

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

The qualification is registered on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF), and has a credit value of 6. Future qualifications may include progression onto the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

Programme entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the PTLLS award. However, learners should be qualified and/or experienced in the subject that they wish to teach.

How is it achieved?

During the qualification learners will produce a portfolio of evidence that will meet the learning outcomes from the five sections listed above. This will consist of 5 theory assessments and 1 practical assessment. The practical assessment consists of one 30 minute micro-teach session delivered as part of the programme, where both tutor and peer feedback will be given.

Level 4 Award In Preparing To Teach In The Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

The Level 4 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) is ideal for new entrants into the teaching industry. It is also ideal for anyone currently teaching or who wishes to teach their subject specialism to others.

If you are a trainer involved in providing funded Work Based Learning (WBL), you may also be required to obtain PTLLS in order to satisfy funding requirements.

The PTLLS Award consists of five sections:

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

The qualification is registered on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF), and has a credit value of 6. Future qualifications may include progression onto the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

Programme entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the PTLLS award. However, learners should be qualified and/or experienced in the subject that they wish to teach.

How is it achieved?

During the qualification learners will produce a portfolio of evidence that will meet the learning outcomes from the five sections listed above. This will consist of 5 theory assessments and 1 practical assessment. The practical assessment consists of one 30 minute micro-teach session delivered as part of the programme, where both tutor and peer feedback will be given.

When you take a course with GSS we will provide you with support, guidance and resources to ensure you have everything you need to successfully achieve the highest possible standard in your chosen field.

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