Well, I am glad that is over.
The course promised a lot and delivered little. There was much talk at the start of the course about how it was going to be an engaging and interactive experience, utilising new technology and teaching approaches such as Google Groups, video conferencing and email support, but ultimately the Google Group was shut down mid-course, the video conferencing never happened and the email support was almost non-existent.
The course tutor seemed woefully inarticulate and, though there was much discussion about learning styles, inclusive teaching and differentiation non of this seemed to actually occur in the sessions. How can I be expected to learn and write about something I have not seen? It should have come as no surprise that upon returning from the half-term break he class was greeted by a new tutor who advised us that the old one no longer worked for the college.
The new tutor was far more engaging and really seemed to know her stuff. Far more articulate, when she spoke about teaching I actually believed in what she was telling me, not something I could say about her predecessor. It seemed that the damage had already been done to the course, however. Things we were told by the previous tutor turned out to be completely wrong and despite one of the course units specifically stating that it should be divided between the group, the new tutor advised that we would each have to cover all of the assessment criteria. The microteach session was highly enjoyable - me in my element - and the feedback received from tutor and peers felt rewarding.
Ultimately I got what I wanted from the course - a new job. As of this writing I have just started a full-time training job which provides me with a greater challenge, more responsibility and better pay than my previous role. Whether or not I now get a passing grade seems almost redundant... unless my new employers ask for the certification.
I learned at least one thing about myself in the short time of this course. I confirmed that I learn best by doing. Work experience has always given me the strongest skills in the fastest time. Sitting in a classroom and talking about abstract theories and concepts just isn't for me.
I could not recommend this course to other people, at least not with the same college. If you are a professional trainer, perhaps a CIPD qualification might be better.
-- Gav
