Working as an Instructor at Midkent College involves having a wide knowledge of current legislations and Codes of Practice. One of the first legislations I encountered was providing my establishment with a current Criminal Records Bureau check to make sure there were no reasons to prevent me from working at the college. I was also provided with other legislations from my college being: The Equality Act (2010), Health and Safety at Work Act (2004), Every Child Matters the Protection of Children Act (1999) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH 2002). The codes of practice I adhere to are set by my college.
As an instructor it is very important for me to promote equality and diversity. I have a responsibility to ensure this is carried out at all times, meeting the needs and requirements of the individual learners. Thomlinson made reference to this of which I feel should be embedded to all instructors the importance of treating students equally, not as a whole group, recognizing the fact that they need to be fully engaged in their learning. Not you, as an instructor, to simply get them through their studies with no thought to their individual needs or requirements from study. “The aim is not for students to simply take part in further education but to be actively included and fully engaged in their learning. At the heart of our thinking lies the idea of match or fit between how the learner learns best, what they need and want to learn and what is required from the FE sector, college and teachers for successful learning to take place.” (Thomlinson, 1996:37). At the beginning of a new class I would have identified the students needs from their induction day. I would ensure if a learner was dyslexic to have arranged for a member of C.A.S.T to be present when teaching the student. A very important issue to raise with a support worker would be where they will be positioned in the class room, not making the learner feel different from any one else but understanding they need to support the learner fully and safely. Another student may be experiencing financial difficulties so I would then refer them to Student Finance. As an instructor I must be able to identify my boundaries, there are some aspects of a students expectations that will go beyond my ability to give the best professional advice. I would then refer the student to an external support service. Linda Wilson’s view on “Referral” is a very important issue to remember as an instructor: “We might like to help, but are we really the most effective person for the learner to consult? Understanding and respecting professional boundaries is essential.”(Wilson, 2009:23)
It is my responsibility to provide the students with a safe and supportive learning environment. I would have prepared my lesson plan, SOW in advance. I would read the Risk Assessment that has been set out for the area I am teaching in. I would ensure that there is no broken electrical equipment left in the room and all harmful chemicals are placed in the COSHH cabinet. Although it is not part of the Risk Assessment part of my job role would be to ensure the room is well lit and ventilated, I would ensure we have the correct materials and resources that will be required for that lesson. It is very important to have a contingency plan set in place should anything unforeseen occur and you are unable to proceed with the original lesson plan.
Before teaching my class for the first time I would look at their Group Profile. If this was not significant being the first time they have been together as a group I would value the Icebreaker activity as this form of introduction ensures the learners feel included and equal. It would give me an insight to their learning ability. With the use of “VARK” I would be able to have a better understanding of the students needs as they will be different not only in learning but in areas relating to their ability and needs to
