PTLLS Train the trainer: An exciting new career!

• What are the requirements for teachers and trainers wishing to teach in the PTLLS lifelong learning sector?
• Who is concerned by the Teach the Trainer new reform rules?
• What is the 7303 PTLLS/Teach the Trainer?
• Who needs to attend a PTLLS course to obtain a PTLLS/Teach the Trainer qualification?
• What are the entry requirements to register for the Teach the trainer training course?
• What is the duration of the teacher training course?
• What will I study on the PTLLS teach the trainer course?
• What are the teach the trainer course contents?
• How long will it take to complete the entire teach the trainer course?
• Should I already be a PTLLS teacher?
• Do I need previous PTLLS teach the trainer teaching experience?
• Can any of my previous knowledge be accredited for this PTLLS course?
• Is the micro-teaching compulsory on the PTLLS teach the trainer training course?
• Will I have to teach on the trainer training course?
• What subjects can I do my micro-teaching teach the trainer session on?
• How am I assessed during the train the trainer training course?
• How does PTLLS assessment take place?
• How much PTLLS teaching practice is required?
• What is the observation requirement for the train the trainer training course?
• Is a teaching practice portfolio required during the PTLLS TRAINING?
• Is a reflective learning journal required for the PTLLS teach the trainer course?
• What does the Train the Trainer course cost?
• What is included in the course?
• What will be the benefits of doing the teach the trainer course?
• What are the course outcomes?
• What is the next step after the PTLLS teach the trainer qualification?
• What are the PTLLS train the trainer progression routes?
• Where can I get more information about the teach the trainer training course?

Starting September 2007, any person that is a tutor, trainer, teacher, lecturer or instructor is required to hold a professional PTLLS certificate. This PTLLS requirement is the new reform rules to initial teacher training introduced in England.

All teachers in the lifelong learning sector who deliver LSC-funded training and qualifications, and who teach in contexts such as: FE colleges; specialist colleges; work-based learning (WBL); Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funded voluntary and community based learning; and armed forces learning.

PTLLS is the short form for the Award gained in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. It is both an introductory course and professional qualification awarded by City and Guilds PTLLS which gives a threshold status to teachers wanting to teach. PTLLS is a compulsory qualification for all new teachers. It has been intended to increase and recognize the span of knowledge and proficiency required by teachers to develop and direct the learning process.

PTLLS is a one unit award containing five ‘sections’. The PTLLS award has a credit value of 6 credits on the QCF. It forms the first unit/module of all 120 credit diploma qualifications and the 24 credit CTLLS program; PTLLS can be offered as an integrated unit/module or as a discrete award.

If taken as a stand-alone qualification, PTLLS can receive accreditation of prior learning (APL) within 7304 CTLLS, 7305 DTLLS, and the level 5 subject specialist diplomas for literacy, ESOL and numeracy (120 credits).

The PTLLS training course is a course designed for anyone who already works or aims to work as: Teachers/Trainers/Tutors in the Lifelong Learning Sector and Adult Education.

Part-time teachers in Further and Adult Education Trainers of personnel in commerce, industry, public and voluntary sectors or HM forces.

Technician and Support Staff in Further and Adult Education

The good news is that there are no formal entry requirements for this PTLLS qualification, but candidates must be considering a subject for delivery and be aiming to achieve / or have achieved a qualification and experience for their subject at the appropriate level. PTLLS candidates will also have to be aged 19 or over, be competent in written and spoken English and be prepared to do up to three hours PTLLS self-study every day of the PTLLS course.

The PTLLS 7303 course will last for 5 days. The combined course takes six days to complete.

The topics in the PTLLS course content are divided into 5 parts which you will study over the course days.

The 5 sections are as follow:

- Section 1: Understanding your own roll in relation to teaching
- Section 2: Understanding the appropriate teaching and learning approaches
- Section 3: Demonstrate session planning skills
- Section 4: Understanding how to deliver classes which motivate learners
- Section 5: Understanding the use of evaluation methods and the need for record keeping

You will be able to complete your training course within the given time frame of the course, including all your assignments and assessments.

It is not a compulsory that you should already be a teacher. It is of benefit however if you already are a teacher, trainer, tutor or instructor.

No previous teaching experience is needed to enter the PTLLS training course.

On this course your previous knowledge does not get accredited, it will make the PTLLS course a lot easier for you however.

Part of your training course is called micro-teaching where you have a practical part practicing actual teaching.

It is a mandatory part of the PTLLS training course that you are required to do on the PTLLS course. You will receive guidance from your PTLLS trainer and there is no need to be alarmed over this part of your course.

You can do your PTLLS micro-teaching on any subject that you wish.

The PTLLS assessment is criteria referenced, based on the achievement of specified criteria. Each of the units contains pass criteria for PTLLS unit assessment in each case. Students are expected to maintain a good record of attendance, timekeeping and proficient conduct throughout the training course.

This PTLLS qualification is centre assessed using different types of assessments which includes regulation of PTLLS micro-teaching, assessment of written assignments, reports, course work and a journal of coaching and dialogue. You will be assessed through a series of written and practical tasks.

PTLLS students are requisite to undertake a minimum of 30 minutes micro-teaching. This time falls into candidates’ non-contact hours within the PTLLS program. Full guidance is provided in the qualification handbook and by your PTLLS trainer.

The minimum 30 minutes micro-teach / teaching practice delivery must be observed by the tutor/observer, who must give feedback and complete an observation report provided in the appendices of the qualification handbook. Observations should last for a minimum of 15 minutes for each session. For micro-teaching observation, feedback must be given by the candidate’s peer group. There must be a minimum of three peer evaluations per candidate per micro-teaching session.

Students are encouraged to assemble a teaching practice portfolio during their PTLLS program. The portfolio should be a brief log of PTLLS micro-teaching and should include their log of 30 minutes micro-teaching, PTLLS teaching practice and evidence involving their session setting up, delivery and assessment. The teaching practice portfolio is not a compulsory prerequisite of the PTLLS Award, but is considered good practice.

Students should write a thoughtful learning journal from the beginning of the program. Students are allowed to use their own journal during the course or use the format provided in the qualification instruction manual. Candidates must complete a journal entry after each assessment task and practical evaluation and for each session attended all the way through the PTLLS program.

The course costs 750 pounds and can be booked and paid for online.

Included in the course is registration with the awarding body City and Guilds, tuition fee, assessment and PTLLS certification.

PTLLS will give you a license to teach in the lifelong learning sector. Anyone who wishes to teach or who is already teaching will benefit from this.

After successful completion of your PTLLS qualification, you will be able to teach in the life long learning sector as required by the new reforms.

Progression courses from the 7303 scheme are the:

7304 Scheme - Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS). This qualification is appropriate for those in an Associate Teacher Role or who are involved in work based learning training, assessment and support.

7305 Scheme – Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS). This is appropriate for those in a Full Teacher Role. All teachers in the full role must complete this requirement within 5 years.

Candidates may carry forward the 6 credits achieved through the PTLLS Award into both CTLLS and DTLLS, as it forms a mandatory introductory unit for both qualifications.

You could do the PTLLS 1886 course which deals with conflict management. This course is a three day course, either on its own or can be combined with the PTLLS 7303.

If you need more information on the course, please feel free to phone or email AAB Training.

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