POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Adult & Community Education) is a 1-year part-time program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of adult, community, and further education practitioners. Through a blend of theory and practice, participants explore teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and curriculum development techniques, enabling them to improve their students' learning experiences and their own professional skills in working with diverse adult learner groups. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows participants to demonstrate their newfound knowledge and skills by designing and delivering a learning experience for a specific group of adult learners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Adult & Community Education) is a 1-year part-time program designed to equip adult, community, and further education practitioners with enhanced skills and knowledge in teaching and learning. It aims to encourage participants to deepen and grow their own practice through various participatory, creative, and reflective methods. By exploring and implementing engaged practices, participants can improve both their students' learning experiences and their professional skills in working with the diverse range of adult learner groups in community and further education.

Objectives:

• Enhance practitioners' skills and knowledge of teaching and learning.
• Encourage participants to draw on their own experiences as learners and/or practitioners to deepen and grow their own practice.
• Help participants explore and implement a range of engaged practices to improve both their students' learning experiences and their own professional skills.
• Enable participants to work with the diverse range of adult learner groups across community and further education.

Description:

This program offers a unique blend of theory and practice, providing participants with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the principles of adult learning and how to apply them effectively in various educational settings. Through a variety of engaging and interactive learning activities, participants will explore different teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and curriculum development techniques. They will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and identify areas for growth and development. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows participants to demonstrate their newfound knowledge and skills by designing and delivering a learning experience for a specific group of adult learners.

Outline

Program Content:

The program focuses on developing participants' knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Theories and principles of adult learning
• Teaching and learning strategies in adult and community education
• Assessment and evaluation in adult and community education
• Curriculum design and development for adult learners
• Reflective practice in adult and community education

Program Structure:

The program consists of four modules, each focusing on a specific area of teaching and learning:

• Group Work in Adult and Community Education (AD506) 5 Credits
• Teaching and Learning in Adult and Community Education (AD511) 5 Credits
• Community Drama (AD512) 5 Credits
• The Reflective Practitioner (AD513) 5 Credits

Course Schedule:

Participants are required to attend on-campus sessions on certain Tuesday mornings across the academic year. These sessions are complemented by online workshop/tutorial sessions. The program operates on an integrated module, meaning classes may be delivered with students completing various programs.

Individual Module Descriptions:

• Group Work in Adult and Community Education (AD506): Explores various aspects of group work, including its benefits and challenges, group dynamics, and effective facilitation.
• Teaching and Learning in Adult and Community Education (AD511): Covers various teaching strategies and methodologies specific to the needs of diverse adult learners.
• Community Drama (AD512): Investigates using drama and theatre techniques for engaging adult learners and promoting learning in community settings.
• The Reflective Practitioner (AD513): Develops the skills of self-reflection and critical analysis, enabling practitioners to continuously improve their practice and professional development.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• A variety of assessment methods will be used throughout the program, including written assignments, group projects, presentations, reflective journals, and a final capstone project.
• The specific assessment methods used in each module may vary.

Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments will be evaluated based on a range of criteria, including the depth of knowledge demonstrated, the application of theoretical concepts to real-world situations, the clarity and effectiveness of communication, the originality of ideas, and the quality of critical thinking and reflection.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a learner-centered approach, emphasizing active participation, collaboration, and critical reflection.
• A variety of teaching methods are utilized, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussions, case studies, and simulation exercises.
• Participants are encouraged to draw on their own experiences and perspectives, fostering an engaging and collaborative learning environment.

Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate adult and community education specialists.
The faculty members possess extensive knowledge of the field, combined with practical teaching experience in diverse adult learning contexts.
• Each faculty member brings their unique expertise and insights, enriching the program with a range of perspectives and approaches to teaching and learning.

Careers

Career Paths:

• The program equips graduates with a variety of skills and knowledge, opening doors to diverse career paths within adult, community, and further education.
• Some potential career options include:
• Adult and Community Education Tutor
• Further Education Lecturer
• Training and Development Officer
• Educational Consultant
• Research Assistant
• Policy Officer

Development Opportunities:

• Graduates who complete this program can build on their qualifications by pursuing a Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education.
• The program emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and aims to provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all participants.
• This commitment is reflected in the program design, content, and delivery, ensuring all students feel valued and empowered to contribute to their full potential.
• Graduates of this program emerge with a deep understanding of the complex and ever-evolving field of adult and community education, equipped to make a significant impact in this dynamic and rewarding sector.