Quality Enhancement
Teaching Practice PDA
Campus OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 9
Study mode Part time
Duration 39 weeks
Start date
Sep 2024
Cost
£890
(see funding options)
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This Professional Development Award is a teaching qualification for newly appointed and existing college lecturers. It provides an excellent precursor to TQFE and is a great interim teaching qualification for staff either waiting to be put through TQFE, or who do not have the pre-requisites for TQFE. In addition, it is appropriate for anyone who would benefit from a more practical skills-focused course of study.
It is also suitable for candidates with industry experience wanting to move into teaching their specialism within the college sector or elsewhere. The qualification provides an opportunity to explore a career change and gain work experience along with a sector-recognised teaching qualification.
What you will learn
The qualification supports reflective teaching skills and research-informed learning through two HN units totalling 16 credit points:
- Planning and Preparation for Learning
- Learning, Teaching and Student Assessment
You will be required to demonstrate how you plan and prepare, a unit of learning within your curriculum area and to critically reflect on the impact of your teaching practice. All course content is aligned to the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges, and you will be supported through taught tutorials, observations and 1:1 feedback and guidance.
You will study alongside lecturers from a range of teaching teams and colleges. Feedback from previous cohorts confirms the value of working with peers with varied breadths of experience, as well as the opportunity to observe a range of teaching styles.
Placement information
The course includes a work placement. The class group for the placement is identified at the start of the academic year, and you will undertake a weekly two-hour placement with the class during semester two. Lecturers can use existing teaching hours to fulfil this requirement.
For pre-service applicants, the college will endeavour to organise the placement where you will shadow or team teach under the mentorship of an experienced lecturer within your specialist subject area. If Edinburgh College does not teach the specialist subject the college will attempt to arrange a core skills type class placement to develop teaching skills that can be transferred to other subject areas.
How the course is assessed
- You must complete assignments for each of the units to achieve the award.
- Assessments include essays, written tasks and two successful teaching observations. Alternatives to the written assessments can be considered.
Number of days per week
- Online usually fortnightly tutorials (provisionally either a Monday or Tuesday 4.00 PM - 6.00 PM)
- Self-directed study activities on weeks alternating with taught tutorials
- Additional 2-hour per week work placement during semester 2 only
Entry requirements
- Teach or have a desire to teach within the college sector (i.e. pre-service);
- Have a specialism (e.g. hairdressing, plumbing, art and design etc)
- Educated to SCQF levels 6 communication and level 4 numeracy;
- Basic understanding of MS Word, Excel and Teams;
- PVG clearance - this will be arranged by the college upon offer of a place;
- Identification of a suitable work placement
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- All successful applicants will be invited to a Teams telephone interview to assess suitability for the course.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
The qualification, in conjunction with a SCQF level 8 or above qualification in a subject specialist area, can support entry to the TQFE qualification. TQFE is the GTCS recognised teaching qualification for the college sector and is taught in universities.
Career options
The PDA supports lecturers develop within their existing role and move in to promoted teaching posts. For pre-service candidates, the qualification supports job applications within both the college and private training provider sectors. It is also a great qualification for establishing candidates as a training consultant within industry.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Part time | 02/09/24 | 39 Weeks |
|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Part time | 02/09/24 | 39 Weeks |
|
