After setting up in business I decided to do the Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector (PTLLS) course to widen my horizons and enable me to move into the area of part-time lecturing.
I was aware that at some point in the near future, the qualification would be a requirement to part-time teaching and so I not only wanted to have it completed but I knew it would be a useful addition to my CV.
The course content and delivery was of a high and professional standard and the tutors were extremely helpful, approachable and supportive. There was a wide variety of experience and ability in the class from no experience at all, to a lot of teaching experience. The classes and one-to-one support were tailored to meet individual needs so that no-one ever felt that they were struggling. We also gained a great deal of practical knowledge from each other as well as the tutors.
When I had completed the course I quickly got a part-time teaching position and because the course I was to teach had not been taught before, the knowledge and skills I gained from the course were invaluable. I was able to plan sessions, design lesson plans and carry out assessments with confidence. I have also been able to use the knowledge I gained within my business that provides not only antenatal education for pregnant women and their birth companions but also health education and stress management information to clients. I have been able to take account of learning styles and approaches to promote learning and provide more effective individually tailored sessions with clients in all areas of my work. I am also currently hoping to get further teaching opportunities with additional educational organisations.
The PTLLS qualification has been of great value to both my personal and professional life and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to teach at a professional level, anyone wanting to improve their current teaching strategies or to anyone wanting to enhance learning in those they work with even at a more informal level.