Learning Connections has developed and delivered a number of professional development materials, many of which are now available in the tutor training section of Adult Literacies Online. It has also commissioned a new teaching award, the Teaching Qualification: Adult Literacies (TQAL).
Teaching Qualification: Adult Literacies (TQAL)
This new qualification for adult literacies tutors is being developed by a Scottish Consortium, led by Strathclyde University. The first module "Learning worlds" was run in March 2007. The course is work-based and practice tutors will oversee the practice component of the course. There is a substantial online element as well as face to face delivery at 4 learning centres which are Strathclyde, Dundee and Aberdeen University and Forth Valley College. The Project Manager is David Wallace from Strathclyde University.
Comprehensive benchmark statements underpin the aspirations of the Teaching Qualification: Adult Literacies. These statements set out the requirements of programmes of study in adult literacies tutoring.
The introductory training in adult literacies learning pack (ITALL): revised 2005.
This pack ( available online) was developed for those new to adult literacies, prepares tutor assistants in a variety of settings. It will not prepare tutor assistants to work with a group on their own, unless they have other relevant experience or training. The ITALL pack is designed for flexible delivery and can be adapted by trainers to reflect local circumstances.
Professional development award: introduction to adult literacies learning (stage 1 of the national training framework of qualifications in adult literacies)
Prior to delivering the PDA: ITALL course, centres must apply for approval from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. No candidate can be certificated until the awarding centre has been approved by the SQA to deliver the PDA.
- The Professional Development Award is made up of three units:
- Adult literacies learning in Scotland
- Working with adult literacies learners
- Learning and teaching in adult literacies (this unit carries a double weighting and includes a practice element).
The ITALL pack itself was not to accredit the ITALL pack. However, there are useful support materials in the pack for any organisation wishing to deliver the accredited PDA course.
The SQA PDA: ITALL guidelines
SQA PDA: ITALL Guidelines (revised 2005) (PDF)
Evaluation forms (Word format):
Assessment issues
General assessment issues - some additional guidance
Assessment on Demand Resources
Assessment on Demand for the Professional Development Award: Introduction to Adult Literacies Learning
(Stage 1 of the National Training Framework of Qualifications in Adult Literacies)
Argyll & Bute Community Learning Partnership and Clydebank College developed an assessment on demand pack. It is aimed at those who have completed the ITALL training prior to the development of the PDA: ITALL. Learning Connections gave advice during development and the pack was submitted to the SQA for approval. Clydebank College has approval to use the pack with candidates who wish to achieve the PDA: ITALL award.
If you wish to use the pack with your own candidates you must seek permission from Argyll & Bute and approval from the SQA. For further details, contact Argyll & Bute Community Learning Partnership
Nasreen A. Kharegat - Adult Literacy and Numeracy Manager, Argyll and Bute - Telephone: 01436 677489
Margaret Tierney Project Manager, Scottish Qualifications Authority - Telephone: 0141 242 2174
Working in groups with adult literacies learners
Learning Connections, with contributions and suggestions from literacies practitioners throughout Scotland, developed a training pack on working with adult literacies learners in groups. There is also an information leaflet: Introduction and guidelines for managers.
Numeracy energiser training
This training aims to equip participants with the confidence and knowledge required to deliver numeracy training in the adult literacies partnerships. It is based around the Scottish Energiser material which was circulated to the Literacies Partnership on CD-rom and is also available on the ALO website.
Using ICT in adult literacies learning
Seven units have been developed so far in this training series (available on the ALO website) with the aim of developing confidence in the use of ICT with adult literacies learners.