Interactive resource to support teaching in the further education and training sector
The Learning and Skills Development Agency has launched a new DVD aimed at providing practical information and advice for staff in Northern Ireland’s further education colleges and training organisations.
Entitled ‘Start Teaching Materials’, the interactive resource has been produced to help meet the recognised needs of full and part-time tutors and trainers throughout the six regional colleges and training organisations in terms of how they prepare for classes and deliver lesson plans.
The DVD has been divided into four main sections, including an introduction to the Northern Ireland further education and training sector, guidance on the planning process for a lesson or training session, advice on techniques on how to engage learners and information and guidance on assessment techniques, their purpose and appropriate use.
Trevor Carson, Director of LSDA NI, said:
“We are delighted to officially launch the Start Teaching Materials DVD – nothing quite like this has been produced before. We believe it will be of major assistance to further education teachers and trainers and help bridge significant skills gaps especially for new tutors and trainers. This resource is an excellent continuous professional development tool.
“The DVD was initially targeted at part-time staff who may have sectoral expertise but have received no formal teacher training or qualifications. However, the feedback we have had from our research has revealed that tutors and trainers with many years’ experience are also finding the resource extremely beneficial.
“The four presentations cover all the vital areas and are available in two alternative formats – powerpoint presentations with attached notes and flash presentations with audio voice over. This resource is free of charge to any tutor or trainer wishing to upgrade their teaching skills.”
Ian Houston, Director of Curriculum at Northern Regional College, warmly welcomed the DVD launch, saying:
“LSDA NI plays a vital role in helping to address any concerns which may arise regarding the delivery of the Northern Ireland further education sector curriculum to students throughout our six regional colleges.
“A need for further guidance on planning, engagement and assessment has arisen and this Start Teaching Materials DVD is a very innovative and effective method of meeting this need, which I warmly welcome.
“I would strongly recommend all teachers and trainers obtain a copy of the DVD as, no matter how much experience they may have, there is always room for improvement. It will ultimately be the students who benefit if all lecturers can improve the overall standard of the lessons they are delivering.”
In addition to the four key presentations, the DVD also includes self-review tasks to challenge staff knowledge and understanding, a scheme of work template, key words for use within a scheme of work and a lesson plan template.
As well as being available, free of charge, as a hard copy DVD, the resource is also available at http://www.thetlc.org.uk/groups/140/associations
For more information about the DVD, please contact Emma Heron at LSDA NI on 028 9044 7700.
Posted 26 May 2009
