Getting the practical teaching element right
Appendix 1
Examples of job descriptions
for teaching practice mentors
A number of development projects have provided outline specifications for
teaching practice mentors.
Example 1 (from Talent, London - see www.talent.ac.uk)
Roles and responsibilities of teaching practice placement tutors
• To inform trainees about learners' basic skills learning needs, eg pace of teaching,
learning goals, additional learning needs
• To negotiate realistic learner/trainee contact hours
• To liaise with and give feedback to the lead body/course co-ordinator
• To create a phased approach for teaching practice, ie starting with observing the
group, leading to whole-group teaching
• To model teaching methodology to the trainee
• To know the teaching practice requirements of the course in terms of placement hours
and observation schedule
• To have an overview of the teacher training course assignment/coursework
requirements
• To support the trainee with scheme of work writing
• To support the trainee with lesson planning
• To offer constructive feedback and comments on teaching, orally and informally
• To keep an overview of the syllabus and accreditation goals for the students
• To maintain responsibility for the class during the lessons
• To liaise with the trainee teacher's course tutors
• To invite the trainee teacher to course team meetings as an observer (when
appropriate)
• To provide the trainee with information about the course, the learners and the
organisation, while maintaining confidentiality
• To carry out formal observations if required (eg for City and Guilds Level 4 stages 1
and 2)
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