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Programme of Learning for Adult Teachers & Organisers
PLATO is not a single course, nor is it a single training system, but a continuously expanding network of courses, events and other learning processes which form the continuous professional development programme of the Association of Part-Time Tutors
PLATO modules run continuously in the Tyneside area, are each a maximum of 20 weeks in length and are all accredited via NOCN at Level 3. All of the training addresses the requirements of the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO) Standards, 1999.
You may download a sample copy of the Full Course Outline for the PLATO module 'Teaching In Adult Community Education' (TIACE, version 1.60). This is in compiled HTML format, and is ENCRYPTED and 'zipped'. Please email Bob Groves with details of the intended purpose of your download, and he'll be happy to pass on the required password to decrypt the executable.
A Manifesto for PLATO
'Serving New Needs'
PLATO is and will be...
An Open Modular Learning Programme
That is to say, it is a compatible system of short courses and introductory Day Schools which provides a series of learning opportunities for part-time teachers. All APTT members may add new courses and events to PLATO, provided these are compatible in accreditation, aims, thematic material and overall intent based upon the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO) standards. Though the PLATO course modules can each stand-alone in their own right, the modules together form a coherent pattern of training around key areas of the FENTO standards.
A combination of Accredited and Non-Accredited material
Not all training provided through APTT as part of PLATO need be accredited, and certainly it need not all be accredited via North East Open College Network (NEOCN, a part of the National Open College Network) as the five core modules are (see diagram below). Non-accredited short courses and single events may well remain non-accredited for access, relevance, convenience or funding reasons, provided that they record all activities and participant achievements for APL/A purposes within the programme and for the future.
A contemporaneous provider of Essential Training for Contemporary Adult and Community Education
PLATO steers well clear of simply being a duplicate of other teacher training courses. Whilst closely concerned with the FENTO standards, it addresses mainly those areas of skill which are deemed vital to widening participation, enhancing participant growth and change during learning, and actively encouraging informed learner autonomy. PLATO looks to provide those skills not available via other courses, and to give a solid accredited grounding in those areas of tutor practice which are most likely to enhance effectiveness. In doing so PLATO also aims to foster a community of practice which is specialised, professional and respected.
A Validator of existing unrecognised abilities
PLATO attempts to bring the final stamp of excellence to existing tutoring skills that individuals may have by giving every part-timer an opportunity to demonstrate what they are capable of in areas of expertise which are not normally addressed by traditional training courses (e.g. APL/A, Course Design, etc.)
A Conversion-Layer for existing training
In order for adults to take full part in the learning opportunities that are available to them, tutors need to provide not only relevant, enjoyable, accessible and applicable learning programmes, but also have the skills which are specifically directed toward encouraging these characteristics in all the work that they do. Most current teacher training courses are woefully inadequate at doing this. PLATO attempts to enhance 'basic training' by adding to it and converting existing skills to those which are community education 'friendly'. This recognises that the emphasis will not just be yet more pressure placed upon part-timers to become 'more responsive' to local and national policies, but also to encourage informed responses to policy which are based on the real needs of adult community learning.
Under Continuous Development
PLATO will always be 'work in progress'. It will always attempt to stay abreast of the most relevantly innovative developments in assessment, learning theory, practical interactive teaching methods, management, quality, evaluation, course design and recognition of prior learning. The five core PLATO modules will be as illustrated below.
Who can take part in PLATO?
Any part-time (or hourly-paid, or sessional) teacher, tutor, facilitator, organiser or lecturer in adult, community, further or higher education can join a PLATO module. The programme particularly favours those who would not gain this sort of training via other means.
'Entry' & 'Exit'?
Tutors can enter into PLATO at any point, taking up those modules that most appeal to them. New (aspiring) and inexperienced (perspiring!) tutors should start with an introductory module such as 'Taste of Teaching'. It is also highly recommended that thereafter new tutors should acquire recognised status through the City & Guilds 730x/740 and/or Cert. Ed. in Post-Compulsory Education whilst taking PLATO modules (see below).
What about the '730'? And the Cert. Ed.? (etc.)
It is recommended that all tutors should work toward recognised status as such through achievement of the C&G 730x or equivalent, or other higher level course. PLATO is, at this stage, primarily concerned with providing essential skills for community adult education, rather than complete basic tutor training. However, see the note below on its future as an accepted qualification.
Is 'PLATO' a recognised teaching qualification?
Not yet. However, we are seeking validation via other educational bodies at the time of writing. Currently it is expected that PLATO will give, when all planned modules are in place, at least 11 NOCN credits at Level 3. See also the notes on 'Essential Training' above.
Further information?
To get more information on PLATO and the current learning modules available, please contact:
The
Secretary,
The Association of Part-Time Tutors,
Wallsend Peoples Centre,
Memorial Hall,
Frank Street,
Wallsend,
Tyne & Wear
Tel: (0191) 263 5029
Fax: (0191) 291 1932
Email: secretary@aptt.org.uk
RWG 20 March, 2000