Understanding the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training.
A teacher or trainer has a very diverse role to play including being a lecturer, an assessor, examiner, instructor, an enabler, a record keeper, liaison with external bodies and employees, curriculum developer, subject leader, manager of learning resources, peer reviewer, personal tutor and guide to name but a few. As a trainer I will be an expert in my chosen field or subject and my role is to train my learners about my subject in a way which actively involves and engages them during every training session. It is not all about the training but the learning that takes place as a result. My role is to pass on my skills and knowledge, be approachable and assess that learning has taken place. I will be enthusiastic and passionate about the subject I am delivering and take pride in my work, by doing so I will create a platform for a positive and respectful learning environment.
A large part of my role and responsibilities as a trainer is to ensure I follow ‘The teaching, learning and assessment cycle’. Following this cycle will ensure a systematic process and quality assurance so my learners will have a positive learning experience and are able to achieve their goals in life. The process can start at any stage of the cycle and keep on going. All the stages of the cycle must be addressed and understood for the learning to be effective.
The Teaching, Learning and Assessment Cycle
Identifying needs. The needs and expectations of my learners need to be identified. I must find out the needs of the organisation I will be working for. I should carry out initial assessments and agree individual learning plans.
Planning learning. Doing my research, and planning my delivery programme. Finding and preparing materials to cover the requirements of the programme and liaising with others where necessary. Facilitating Learning. Using a variety of different approaches and resources for example group activities, learning games, role play and giving constructive feedback. Summarise the session and recap the topic aims and objectives.
Assessing learning. Differentiate assessment activities to meet any individual learner needs. I need to obtain feedback and give constructive criticism. I need to make sure that every learner has gained the necessary knowledge and skills at all the stages of the course I am delivering. Review learner progress e.g. through tutorials reviews.
Evaluating learning. I should have achieved the planned topic aim, enabling the learners to achieve their objectives. I need to obtain feedback from others, evaluating my role and the contents of my delivery so I can continuously make improvements in the future. Evaluation could also take place after each stage of the cycle.
A key responsibility in the lifelong learning sector is the checking and reporting of my learner’s attendance and achievements which is necessary for monitoring their progress. My responsibilities would also include:
Treating all my learners fairly and with equal respect (Equality & Diversity)
Keeping my learners safe (Safeguarding)
My learners would have equal opportunities in participating as well as expectations of success (Equality)
Embracing and acknowledging the diversity in a group of learners (Differentiation)
Meeting the different learning styles and needs of my learners (Personalisation)
All my learners will be involved and engaged in relevant activities (Inclusion)
I have a responsibility to be well prepared and up to date with my subject.
Working within professional boundaries.
Boundaries are all about knowing your own limits and knowing what my professional role involves. For example if a candidate has been absent I might call them once but making several calls would be inappropriate. Giving extra support to some students and not others would be inappropriate as well. I must remain fair, ethical and in control with all my learners and
