All trainers at our college have teaching qualifications and have been inducted through our own ITEC teaching methods, the very methods which we teach on our ITEC teacher training program. So why not enroll with a college that has proven success rates and teacher training methods.

Our programs focus on the practical skills needed to plan and deliver dynamic classes to learners. It is the most comprehensive course of its nature in the country with cutting edge teaching methods and delivery mechanisms.

Learners will also have access to The Waverley Academies unique learner support system which combines telephone and email support outside of course hours and online learning materials available 24/7.

We will help you to:-

• Get a world class teaching qualification
• Gain the confidence to become an expert teacher
• Have many more job opportunities
• Take your career to another level
• Train with a college that has 98.5% pass rates

So why not enroll with a college that has proven success rates and teacher training methods. Call us today on 01-4089769 for  details about our next ITEC teacher training courses.

The theory of adult learning and training has evolved over many years. It has provided educators with some key insights into how adults learn best, and how training and education should be designed and delivered to assist them in achieving their educational goals.

One of the pioneers of adult learning was an American called Malcolm Knowles who has been described in many texts as the father of adult education. He helped shift the emphasis from ‘teacher centred’ education to ‘learner centred’ education, and focused more on the humanistic needs of the adult learner. Some of the key principles he identified in order for learning to take place were

• Adults use different learning styles
• They like to link the learning to prior experiences
•  They like to be involved in their learning
• Their motivations to learn have to be right
• They like the learning environment to be positive and encouraging

Returning to education

More recently, the theorists have also identified that adults, particularly those re-turning to education after long periods, need to learn how to learn. Part of this process includes taking notes in class, understanding how to use these notes, planning and organising study time, study skills and memory techniques and preparing for exams.

 Another interesting comment in the article was made by Moira Leydon of the ASTI, she stated that

“Most teachers did not opt for teaching for the money but for the satisfaction of teaching. Teaching is a highly rewarding career and most research would show that teachers are happy in their jobs and highly motivated, as they feel they are helping and making a difference” 

So it would seem that the outlook is very positive for those considering a career in teaching, and with an increased awareness in the economy of the need to continually upskill, or retrain, the future looks bright for those considering a career in teaching or training.

For more information on teaching and training courses at the Irish Academy please visit www.teachertraining.ie

Talk Soon

D O K

Do you have what it takes for teaching or training adults ?

This article focuses on on a fundamental question you should ask yourself before starting out, ” Do I have what it takes?” Not an easy question to answer if you don’t know what your looking for, but let me help. While I’ve already said above that teaching and training adults can be a most gratifying experience, it can also carry with it a lot of responsibility, so it’s important that you save yourself any embarrassment and be sure that it’s for you.

The PEAK test  

We’ve developed an acronym at the Irish Academy that helps identify four of the main characteristics that form the foundation of excellent teachers and trainers, it is the PEAK acronym and stands for

Passion, Enthusiasim, Awillingness to help others develop, and Knowledge. Much of the research would indicate that these characteristics are what makes the difference between good teachers and excellent teachers. Lets have a brief look at them individually.

Passion

Passion can be the inner emotion, or feeling, which we associate with something we adore. A feeling that gives rise to commitment and actions and can inspire us from the moment we wake up. Without it, our efforts to teach or train others can become lifeless, and manifest in our physical behaviours and actions. Much of the Academic research, and research we have conducted at the Irish Academy, would show that the excellent teachers and trainers talk about this “inner feeling” that drives them towards wanting to share knowledge and skills to help others develop. The “inner feeling” that they talk about is passion

Enthusiasm 

Enthusiasm is mainly portrayed in physical behaviour, as educators enthuse about their subject. Its the physical outpouring of eagerness and enjoyment, evident in teachers and trainers who present information in an animated fashion. It can be demonstrated through their body language in facial expressions, hand gestures and interaction with their learners as they engage them in their subject matter. An enthusiastic educator is much more likely to inspire and motivate their learners.

A willingness to help others develop

It is said that a willingness to help others develop can be one of the strongest beliefs and motivators for our excistence on earth. It is one of the beliefs  which I have adopted into my personal and business life, and to date it has not let me down. A willingness to help others develop, can be carried out in many ways, but I have chose to do it through the medium of training and educating  so as to empower others and help learners towards realising their goals and ambitions. I find it is a key trait in many of the teachers and trainers who train at our college. A willingness to help others develop  rates highly on the reasons why people choose a career in teaching or training adults.  

Knowledge 

Knowledge of the subject you are teaching is crucial to building rapport with, and gaining the respect from learners. This may sound like an obvious pointer but its amazing how many lecturers can underestimate its importance. Knowledge can also be key for building your confidence , as you are ‘confident’ when entering the classroom that you can answer any questions and deliver the information that your learners need to know. However, there’s a flipside to knowledge. Too much of it, and delivering information beyond what the learners need to know. Some lecturers can be guilty of  ‘showboating’ and trying to impress learners with all the knowledge they’ve aquired. Information to learners should  be delivered at a ‘need to know’ level and relative to the aims and outcomes of the related programme or workshop.

Thanks

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I do hope you found it helpful.

If you are interested in teaching or training adults our next parttime programmes (Sundays, evenings or weekdays) commence in February, March and April. If you require any more information please visit www.teachertraining.ie

Next article  

My next article will look at the interesting area of qualifications in Ireland for teaching and training adults

Talk soon,

D O K