Roles,_Responsibilties_and_Boundaires

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Role, responsibilities and boundaries of the teacher...... Sarah Wayt BSc MAR writes that the roles, responsibilities and boundaries are evolving qualities within the teacher which are assessed and reflected upon using the teacher/training cycle; a cycle of assessment planning and review. Role of a Teacher. There are many different roles of a teacher in the lifelong learning sector from ensuring teachers treat all their students equally, establishing open and trusting relationships in a safe learning environment and create effective and stimulating opportunities that enable the development and progression of all learners. The teacher is to facilitate communication in such a way that all students are encouraged to enter into a wider debate surrounding the subject they have chosen. Teacher’s have many other roles in the lifelong learning sector from planning the sessions by doing lesson plans, preparation of their teaching materials and the ongoing assessment of their learners and the evaluation of themselves and their delivery whilst following professional values and ethics. Other roles include completing attendance records, learner progress, interviews, tutorials, assessments and a duty of care for the learners. Assessing varying learning styles within a group and considering learner’s motivations and previous experience will help identify various teaching methods Sessions will also have to incorporate visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles to ensure students have equal rights to learning whilst exploring aims and objectives from a different perspective. Responsibilities of a Teacher. There are many responsibilities of a teacher from gaining the skills which are required for the subject you wish to teach, having a reasonable level of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills and you may need to take further qualifications as you progress with your career. The professional who is working in the lifelong learning sector has the responsibility of making sure all handouts, lesson plans, presentations and any other writing does not contain spelling mistakes as this could reflect on the learners. Other responsibilities include the teacher to continually reassess development and change during the course and create a seamless transition to ensure smooth delivery. It is also the teachers’ responsibility to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality and effectiveness of their delivery by taking into account learners changing needs. Teachers should be committed to lifelong learning and professional development and strive for continuous improvement through reflective practice. Some of the skills and attributes the professional may already have or need to develop include being: adaptive, articulate, assertive, charismatic, committed, communicative, competent, conciliatory, confident, creative, decisive, dedicated, determined, diplomatic, emphatic, energetic, enthusiastic, flexible, focused, honest, intelligent, organised, patient persistent, positive, prepared, professional, realistic, receptive, reliable, respectful, responsible, responsive, supportive, thoughtful and trustworthy. Boundaries of a Teacher. Obvious boundaries should exist, such as the appropriateness of the teacher/learner relationship, an example of this would be; making telephone calls to a student who has been absent but not so many times that you are harassing them. Understanding when a student requires further help beyond your remit is a boundary which should be effectively utilise. A teacher must be able to recognise when additional help is required to further the learning experience. In classes boundaries are revisited through reflection as well as looking at the overall effectiveness of the course. Teachers should communicate in an acceptable way (language which is discriminatory, judgemental or offensive should always be avoided). Always ensure you maintain confidentially and follow organisational requirements. References:- No Name. (2010). PTTLLS Assignment 1. Available: http://usefulwiki.com/page/PTTLLS_Assignment_1. Last accessed 16th Ann Gravells (2006). Preparing to Teach in the Liflong Learnig Sector. 2nd ed. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.. 1-11. Sarah Wayt BSc MAR. (2008). Describe what your role, responsibilities and boundaries would. Available: www.balance-therapy.co.uk/Assignment%208.1.1.pdf -. Last accessed 16th Jan