I am studying DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector) whilst working as a teacher, and as the year progresses and students can see the finish line, work-loads are rising. Doing ITT at the same time as completing my first year is becoming difficult. Recently a conversation arose regarding whether the assignments actually make us better teachers.
I have just submitted 4,000 words, a learning journal, lesson observation feedback and a seminar. “The lessons help, but the assignments don’t benefit me” one of my classmates commented. I can appreciate his point, but this assumes a correct/absolute answer to ‘what makes a good teacher?’
ITT benefits people in different ways. What’s important is to take from it anything you feel you need. Used wisely, it WILL make you a better teacher, but not a good one. That has to be carved out for yourself from experience and, unfortunately, occasionally failing. ITT provides the first step, but don’t expect to come out the finished article. So if, like me, you are finding the workload tough and an assignment deadline is the last thing you need, stick with it. Make that extra effort, keep sight of your goals and don’t give up. It’s a fantastic job whatever the media say about recruitment/retainment. ITT is the first step to getting there.
This ‘In Brief…’ article was originally printed in the June 2016 edition of UKEdMagazine.
Click here to freely view online
@EdTechFocused Lecturer – Somerset
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