Simple writing guide for the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training to support low confidence

Topic – Evaluate the benefits of the completing the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

This document is written to help learners to write their answers to meet the qualification requirements within the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. The key verb within the title is to evaluate. We have selected the verb evaluate as this is the most difficult verb within the qualification and mastering this, will enable you to master everything else. All text in red is to explain to you about the process and would not be included when answering the question.

Introduction – What is it?

We also start with an introduction about the topic and the background behind it. What is it? The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training a teacher training course that is aimed at those looking to teach in FE or schools for learners aged 14+. The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training follows on from the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training however it is not a requirements to complete the Level 3 or Level 4 before enrolling on this qualification. Essential Teaching UK (2023) states that the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training replaces the old DTLLS qualification.

The Structure – break it down into steps

The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is broken down into 13 units:

1. Developing Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training.
2. Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training.
3. Theories, Principles and Models in Education and Training.
4. Wider Professional Practice and Development in Education and Training.
5. Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment.
6. Understanding the Principles and Practices of Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment.
7. Identify the Learning Needs of Organisation.
8. Delivering Employability Skills.
9. Equality and Diversity.
10. Preparing for the Coaching Role.
11. Preparing for the Mentoring Role.
12. Preparing for the Personal Tutoring Role.
13. Understanding and Managing Behaviours in a Learning Environment.

Within the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, we would never list the subject, we would explain each element and put in them in the right order. For example, VARCS is the order of visual, auditory, reading, kinaesthetic and not CVARS. In this instance we would list each unit and then explain them.

1.           Developing Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training is the foundation unit which covers a range of learning theories such as Vygotsky, Bloom and Pike.

2.           Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training focuses upon pedagogical principles, enabling learners to analyse their application in your own specialism, whilst also developing a range of transferable skills.

3.           Theories, Principles and Models in Education and Training expands on the Level 3 AET and Level 4 CET by analysing the teaching role deeper.

4.           Wider Professional Practice and Development in Education and Training looks at the influences upon each curriculum and looks at a range of factors that influence a training programme.

5.           Equality and Diversity ensures that learners understand the legal aspects in order to support training programmes that encourage diversity and best practice.

6.           Understanding and Managing Behaviours in a Learning Environment – helps teachers to identify which learning behaviours are undesirable and come up with a range of solutions to help deal with them.

7.           Delivering Employability Skills focuses on the key reasons for courses to enable learners to transition in the workplace.

8.           Preparing for the Personal Tutoring Role enables learners to support their own learners identifying motivation and reasons for withdrawal to help their learners succeed.

9.           Preparing for the Coaching Role sets up learners for the next phase in their careers helping learners to manage their own learning particular beneficial for extracting more out of independent learners.

10.        Preparing for the Mentoring Role helps learners set up for the next stage in their development by managing others and bringing new trainers through the ranks.

11.        Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment is a qualification that can be used on its own and is designed to help you manage the qualification process within an organisation.

12.        Understanding the Principles and Practices of Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment is the pinnacle of training preparing learners to work for awarding bodies which enhances their reputation.

13.        Identify the Learning Needs of Organisation helps learners to move into the corporate sector and open up a new career path or business opportunities by determining organisations training needs.

Supporting Evidence - Advantages / Benefits

We need to give a variety of different advantages and benefits to support your answer from using range of literature. Following completion of the DET, you will be able to apply for QTLS status which ET Foundation (2023) identified that 40% of graduates won a promotion and 34% gained a pay rise. Mont Rose College (2023) recognises that by completing the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, you will be able to move into obtaining a BA Hons or a Master’s degree in education. The West London College states that by completing the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, you can work in a school.

Critics - Disadvantages / Limitations

Although achieving the QTLS is recognised as the same as QTS, gaining the Level 5 Diploma in Education in and Training should give you the opportunity to work within schools however Gravells (2023) argues that many schools now make their own decisions as to what qualifications and experience their teachers must have, it is never a guarantee that you can work in schools when achieving your DET.

Conclusion – where do you stand with the evidence? What are your opinions on it?

If you are looking to teach in FE then the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is a good solid option however is not critical as many of our learners that have just achieved the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, have gone on to lecturing and management jobs in prestigious Colleges and Universities. Completing the DET puts learners in a better position and gaining QTLS will often lead to promotions and better pay. On the flip side, there is no evidence that suggests learners will gain increased wages in the freelance market however it will increase the abilities of the teacher which in turn will improve reputation and job performance which leads to more stability and better opportunities within the freelance market and if you include the extra modules, the DET does set learners up for a long and successful career teaching adults. The alternative solution is to go to university to get your PGCE which may be a better solution however is often too late for mature students due to the exceeding commitments of current learners to include full time jobs, running businesses and having families let alone the excessive fees that universities charge up to £20,000 (ELN,2003). The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training with the Education and Training Academy is a solid choice for teachers looking to make the most of their career with limited impact on their personal and professional lives.

Ended with a clear direction on where you stand with the evidence. And in this case, in favour of the DET.

References

Education and Training Foundation (2023) QTLS Benefits Highlighted. Available at: https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/news/qtls-benefits-highlighted-in-new-research/ (Accessed: 15 May 2023).

ELN (2023) Should I do the PGCE or DET? Available at: https://www.eln.co.uk/blog/should-i-do-the-pgce-or-det (Accessed: 15 May 2023).

Gravells, A. (2023) Teaching in a School. Available at: https://www.anngravells.com/information/school-teaching (Accessed: 15 May 2023).

Mont Rose College (2023) What are the advantages of studying a DET? Available at: https://www.wlc.ac.uk/courses/teaching-skills-academy/teacher-training/diploma-in-education-and-trainingdet#:~:text=The%20course%20may%20lead%20to,to%20teach%20in%20secondary%20schools (Accessed: 15 May 2023).

Reynolds, M, (2023) The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and QTLS. Available at:https://educationandtrainingacademy.co.uk/the-level-5-diploma-in-education-and-training-and-qtls/ Accessed 11^TH May 2023,