Role_and_Responsibilities_of_a_Teacher_in_the_Life_Long_Learning_Sector

Julie Chambers 11/09/2012 What are the roles and responsibilities of a teacher in the Adult Learning Sector The role and responsibilities of a teacher in the Adult Learning Sector, is to support the student during their course and until they have completed it in full. Providing a safe and healthy learning environment is required, where learners are able to work at their own individual level. Initial Assessment and Induction enables the teacher to pin point any additional support that may be required throughout the course. The use of diagnostic tools, questioning, learning styles and knowledge of prior learning all give information about barriers that will need to be overcome for the student to succeed. When differentiating for learners with specific barriers a teacher may need to request support from another department as it is beyond their skill base and knowledge. When planning the sessions the teacher needs to consider how to meet its aims and objectives and the needs of learners, a scheme of works will ensure all the aims and objectives are met. The layout of the training room is also important as splitting a large group into smaller ones can encourage less confident students to join in discussions. The setting of smart targets should be used, specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic and time related. These targets will help develop the learning of the student and maintain motivation. Feedback and evaluation at the end of every session are very important; this creates an opportunity to discuss what has been achieved, a good teacher will always listen and respond to students, monitor progress and act upon feedback; a great quality would be to have a wide repertoire of methods on which to draw upon, knowing which would be most effective in what circumstances. Having confidence in using technology to enhance the learning experience will help bring enthusiasm and creativity to learning. The sharing of best practice and learning from others will help develop the skills required to be by re-capping the aims set out at the beginning of the session. Learner surveys, session feedback forms and observation of teaching and learning all provide feedback for a tutor. This can be used by the tutor to evaluate how effective they are and what they could improve in the future. Tutors also need to use this information to look for development needs which they can build into their CPD plan. Should a tutor require additional training they would need to seek authorisation from management. What are the skills and qualities needed to be a teacher in the Adult Learning Sector The qualities and skills for a good teacher are numerous. One of the key skills is to provide the student with clear tasks, goals, and requirement and inform them of progress made, it is most important to have the ability to explain and describe things clearly. This will encourage pupils to think, to make connections, to practise and reinforce, to learn from other learners and to feel that if they make mistakes they will not be ridiculed or treated negatively, this will help them to respond in a very positive manner. If pupils are persuaded to participate through problem solving, questioning, discussion and “buzz group” activities, it will enhance their decision to learn.