Roles,_Responsibilities_and_Boundaries

Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector Tutor: Claire Fairclough Student Paul Day Theory assignment 1 Review what your role, responsibilities and boundaries as a Teacher would be in terms of the teaching/training cycle The role, responsibilities and boundaries of a teacher in terms of the teacher/training cycle are to first identify needs by carrying out a literacy and numeracy test which will establish the students learning style and requirements. Also to carry out simple group and individual tests which should establish their visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles' Next is to plan and design by setting tasks, ensure that your teaching methods are adequate, the resources are available and the syllabus can be achieved within the length of the course. You then have to deliver your lessons whilst making sure that you can adapt to your learners needs by assessing them as you go along by observing and ensuring that they have learned what you have intended. The final process is to evaluate the learning that has happened by asking the students opinions and to see if it can be improved. Roles The role of a teacher is to pass on knowledge and information in a calm, skilled and patient manner, whilst ensuring the learners can absorb this knowledge in a safe and secure environment. This also involves making sure that you treat all students equally, set good standards and become a role model which should ultimately gain their trust. A good way of obtaining this trust is to ask them to call upon their previous learning experiences and get them to advise us on ways to change or improve. You should always make sure that you have properly prepared and understandable lesson plans, adequate materials for that lesson and be accessible should they have any queries or concerns. The role also requires the teacher to keep attendance records, assess the learner’s progress as the sessions go along and to teach them to act and speak appropriately, have good values and ethics and behave in a professional manner. It is also the teacher’s role to make the students aware of any useful references required or make them aware of any exhibitions, seminars or agencies that would assist learning and progression in their chosen subject. By motivation, “ either intrinsic (from within) or extrinsic (from without)”… Gravells, A…preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector…page32, the learners will respond positively. Responsibilities The responsibilities of a teacher are to make sure that you have the relevant skills required for the subject you intend to teach. To also make sure you have the necessary qualifications, numeric and ICT skills to enable you to pass on your knowledge successfully. Also within these responsibilities it is your duty to maintain discipline but at the same time be approachable and respectful to your students changing needs by continually assessing and reassessing them and monitoring progress until they meet their learning objective. You should also make the students feel comfortable when giving them constructive criticism and to make sure that they are all treated equally and you should always be consistent. It is most important that you get to know your learners individually and be receptive to their needs and learning abilities and to be supportive at all times. The lesson plans you prepare should be understandable and handed out in good time before any lesson. Work handed in by your students should be marked and handed back also on time and it is also important that the work is spellchecked as this could reflect on the learners and your teaching abilities. The attributes and skills of a good teacher are to be:- “adaptive, approachable, articulate, assertive, calm, charismatic, committed, communicative, competent, conciliatory, confident, constructive, creative, decisive, dedicated, determined, disciplined, diplomatic, empathic, energetic, enthusiastic, experienced, flexible, focussed, honest, inspiring, intelligent, motivated, organised, passionate, patient, persistent, positive, prepared, professional, realistic, receptive, reliable, respectful, responsive, thoughtful, trustworthy, supportive and vocal”….Gravells, A… preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector…page2. Boundaries In today’s climate, the boundaries that teachers should adhere to with their learners include: never to get emotionally involved, overfriendly or too close. Never make personal phone calls unless recorded or witnessed by a third party. Never give lifts in your car. Make sure that you are never alone with a student, especially of the opposite sex. You should never force opinions on your learners particularly when it involves religion, race or politics. In conclusion, the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of a good teacher mean that you have a duty of care to act professionally at all times. To be inspirational, not judgemental. You should have good communication skills and encourage confidence in your learners. Teach them to speak openly whilst being respectful. Try not to be their “ buddy” or “mate”, but their mentor. By continually reviewing the points made in The teaching/training cycle the lessons will be productive and rewarding. Bibliography Gravells, A,. (2007) Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector: Level 3 coursebook 2nd edition. Petty, G., (2004) Teaching Today: a practical guide 3rd edition. Wallace, S., (2007) Managing behaviour and motivating students in the lifelong learning sector 2nd edition.