Specialist Area Review: Ll Pgce
4204.2 SPECIALIST AREA REVIEW
Stephanie Brown. April 2012
An understanding of the current state of pedagogy in my specialist area:
Foundation Learning (FL) was first introduced in 2008 and was rolled out nationally in 2010. Its intention has been to provide a flexible programme for 16 – 19 year olds who are mainly studying at Entry level or Level 1, to help them progress. Its three main elements were FS, personal and social development (PSD) and subject or vocational studies. At my place of work FL is made up of four key courses – Vocational Pathways; Progress; Extension Studies; and Preparation for Work and Life - which have been developed in response to the new agenda for FL. Today, FL places the learner at the heart of the learning process. According to LSIS (2012), current pedagogy in FE today:
Promotes the idea that the learner is a partner in the learning process and that learners should be empowered to determine their own learning.
Teaching focuses on what, why and how something is taught or learned. This is evident within my faculty. As a response to the Wolf Report (2012), the key elements within the curriculum are personal social development (PSD), functional skills (FS), employability and vocational subjects. The role of the teacher has shifted from “imparter of information to facilitator of learning” (LSIS. 2012). My role as a teacher today is one of continual reflective practise. I liaise with colleagues to plan interesting, motivational lessons to reengage learners. In order to maintain total inclusivity, differentiation is planned and applied daily.
-What have you learned about your specialist area during this year which is new?
Returning to work from a career break - the replacement of “Key Skills” with “FS”. I now understand that the difference between these lie primarily in the assessment methods used. Key Skills used multiple choice tests and the development of a portfolio for assessment. FS assessments are structured to show the
Stephanie Brown. April 2012
An understanding of the current state of pedagogy in my specialist area:
Foundation Learning (FL) was first introduced in 2008 and was rolled out nationally in 2010. Its intention has been to provide a flexible programme for 16 – 19 year olds who are mainly studying at Entry level or Level 1, to help them progress. Its three main elements were FS, personal and social development (PSD) and subject or vocational studies. At my place of work FL is made up of four key courses – Vocational Pathways; Progress; Extension Studies; and Preparation for Work and Life - which have been developed in response to the new agenda for FL. Today, FL places the learner at the heart of the learning process. According to LSIS (2012), current pedagogy in FE today:
Promotes the idea that the learner is a partner in the learning process and that learners should be empowered to determine their own learning.
Teaching focuses on what, why and how something is taught or learned. This is evident within my faculty. As a response to the Wolf Report (2012), the key elements within the curriculum are personal social development (PSD), functional skills (FS), employability and vocational subjects. The role of the teacher has shifted from “imparter of information to facilitator of learning” (LSIS. 2012). My role as a teacher today is one of continual reflective practise. I liaise with colleagues to plan interesting, motivational lessons to reengage learners. In order to maintain total inclusivity, differentiation is planned and applied daily.
-What have you learned about your specialist area during this year which is new?
Returning to work from a career break - the replacement of “Key Skills” with “FS”. I now understand that the difference between these lie primarily in the assessment methods used. Key Skills used multiple choice tests and the development of a portfolio for assessment. FS assessments are structured to show the