The main aim of this course is to make you aware that any learning, formal or informal, is an ongoing, dynamic process. During this process of self- study you will be able to make links between your current knowledge and skills and the theoretical frameworks and concepts related to effective adult learning. It is only by applying the concepts to your own practice, and reflecting on this process, that these concepts will become meaningful and useful to you.

The intended learning outcomes are to:

• Identify the characteristics of adult learners
• Plan and lead a learning session in which you will be able to:
• Demonstrate a range of techniques for teaching and checking learning
• Create and use resources and materials to support learning
• Apply strategies for managing challenging situations and learners in groups
• Apply strategies that support inclusive learning and embed language/numeracy skills appropriate to your subject area

This course is being delivered by Staff Professional Development at City Lit.

You will be learning through self-study, using the given resources. These resources will support you in gaining skills and knowledge for delivering effective and inclusive adult learning. Each section also includes a reflective log that you are required to complete.

How and when you engage with the online material will depend on your personal learning preferences and time management. You can work flexibly, at your own pace. However, this unit must be completed between the start and end dates given.

The material has been organised into 4 units. Each unit will take you to specific topic materials, including the reflection activity.

The reflective logs at the end of each section should be written after you have completed your study of the section topics. They should be used to record your learning and also consider how you will be applying it in your teaching practice. The style of writing expected for the logs is reflective and should be supported with examples from your practice.

If you experience any difficulties with accessing online resources please contact digital.learning@citylit.ac.uk

The course’s assessment strategy has a number of important and interrelated purposes. It is designed to provide you with regular self-assessment opportunities to:

• analyse and reflect on your learning, and to contextualise ideas to your own subject learning environment
• use the concepts to structure and inform your analysis of and reflections on practice
• develop professional understanding by applying new ideas to your own practice
• test out your knowledge and understanding of specific concepts and skills
• monitor your progress towards achieving the course learning outcomes through setting and reviewing of goals

Observation of practice (optional)

After you complete all four units of the course, you may want to arrange a classroom visit as an observation of teaching and learning (OTL) by your line manager, or an informal visit by a peer (eg. a learning walk). It is always useful to get feedback on your teaching practice and use it as an opportunity to reflect on your progress.

Alternatively, you can video one of your taught sessions and review the film for the purpose of self evaluation. This is done on all our teacher training courses and participants find this quite empowering.

You will be provided with short Listening / Reading resources. Taking notes will help you conceptualise your learning.

Reflection is a key skill for teachers. Recording your own reflections on your learning during this programme, through the reflective logs and/or reflecting on feedback received after a formal or informal observation of one of your sessions, will support development of this skill.

This course requires self-motivation to manage independent study. The main skills you will need are organisation and time management.

It is essential to identify a specific time each week when you will be able to apply optimum focus to your study. This will enable you to keep to the given schedule of sessions and tasks on this course. There are huge demands on our time and, sometimes, organising it can become a problem. In this case it may help to reflect on what the issues are and commit to a solution.

Below is a checklist with possible solutions.

• Lack of time > set aside regular periods of time
• Other responsibilities > ask for support and help from others
• Personal organisation and discipline > make an action plan and stick to it
• Lack of space > study in the Library
• Lack of resources > use Library resources
• Fatigue > use relaxation strategies
• Leaving things to the last moment > plan and work to realistic deadlines and keep to the plan
• Lack of confidence > know that you are doing your best, trust yourself and ask for help
• Lack of concentration > go somewhere without distractions
• Interruptions / distractions > take the phone off the hook