Quality of Teaching in FE (England)

A Correlate contributor sent us this link...FE college teaching 'must improve', says Labour

While refererring to England our contributor suggests that it "tells a familiar story" re workload and inappropriate methods of delivery!

We need to be careful to recognise what is impacting on the quality of provision here in Scotland ..

The cuts and cuts to staffing! The reduction in face to face support for FE students! and the reduction in delivery times for programmes and units!

We also note a serious decline in the support given to new lecturers in terms of class remission to undertake Professional Development Awards and indeed the TQFE (Teaching Qualification Further Education) which is the recognised standard for lecturers in FE!

We also note the increase in the use of online and self study programmes for new staff including the "Teaching in Colleges Today" course...

While these resources and programmes may be considered very good or useful by some are they now becoming a substitute for the TQFE programme?

Lecturing staff need to be cautious about this and be demanding about their profession and their Professional Standards.. we think they are key to a quality provision!

It is the case that the GTC (General Teaching Council) in England was abolished recently thus removing  a regulatory body for teaching!

The GTCS (General Teaching Council - Scotland) is the EIS recognised Professional Body for FE and more needs to be done to promote membership of the GTCS in the FE sector to protect national professional standards, the quality of provision and professional ecturers' jobs!

We also have a cohort of Trade Union Learning Reps supporting staff and CPD in Scotland's FE Colleges - but not in all colleges - and we would promote this TU role to those working in FE!

Scottish Union Learning

EIS Learning Reps

Let us know what is happening with TQFE and PDA's in your college!