PG Diploma in Teaching in Further Education (Teaching Council Recognition)

Course details

The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching in Further Education (TEQ) is to provide a coherent educational course for those in teaching roles within the further and adult education sectors. Participants will be presented with theoretical concepts and will then engage in self-directed learning through project work, applying the learning to their own practice in their own particular setting. No previous experience of teaching in Further Education is required.

Specifically, the programme aims to:

Develop in a systematic manner student-teachers’ knowledge, understanding, skills, qualities and competencies to teach in further education;

• Foster and promote the development of the student-teacher as a reflective practitioner through self-evaluation
• Provide a foundation in the theories and practices of teaching and learning appropriate to further education and emerging developments
• Develop a range of teaching styles and methodologies, including ICTs, appropriate to a diverse range of learners and contexts
• Develop and expand theoretical understanding and practical skills to devise and implement a programme-appropriate assessment for national certification
• Make available supervised and supportive teaching practice in authentic further education settings enabling you to act professionally in a multitude of educational settings
• Provide a range of theoretical and critical perspectives of education to enable student-learners to assess and locate their own practice within these frameworks

Learning outcomes of the Programme

On successful completion of the programme, a student should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the educational and social context within which adult and further education take place nationally and internationally
• Analyse and reflect critically on the particular features of teaching and learning in the adult and further education sectors
• Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the further education sector and other sectors of education in Ireland
• Exercise discernment in selecting and applying pedagogical and/or andragogical approaches to teaching, learning and assessment appropriate to different learner groups
• Critique an appropriate range of approaches for the teaching and learning of the subject matter, including assessment and feedback, as appropriate to different learner groups
• Design a programme, course or module appropriate for the learners, including teaching techniques, assessment and evaluation modes, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant awarding body
• Demonstrate successful teaching by initiating and leading purposeful activity in in authentic settings, and respond in a skilful manner within unpredictable contexts
• Engage in a committed manner to reflective practice, contribute to and learn from communities of practice, and act as a change agent where deemed appropriate within the profession
• Appraise existing and emerging technologies suitable for integration into her/his practice.

Entry Requirements

An NFQ Level 8 qualification or equivalent

OR

An NFQ Level 9 qualification in Education which does not meet the requirements for accreditation for teacher education qualifications

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must provide proof that they ahve access to 120 hours of teaching practice within appropriate FE settings
• Applicants must ensure that their teaching practice placements are in a recognised FE setting, on a nationally-accredited programme (FETAC NFQ Levels 1-6, or equivalent)
• Applicants must attend an interview to assess their suitability for the programme
• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English,