Why not Train Instead of Do?
What is the best way to learn? Some argue that its through practical activities such as science experiments in class. Or maybe its through reading, since we can remember almost everything we read. There are many different effective methods to learn — but which is the best?
Studies show that teaching others what you have learned gives better results. This is known to scientists as the protégé effect. Through teaching you think through and research gaps in your own knowledge, so that you can mentor others with accurate knowledge.
Coming up with a way to effectively teach your ‘students’ forces you to look upon the subject with fresh eyes, and helps you practice your metacognitive processing – in other words, your learning process. When you’re expecting to teach others, it increases your motivation to learn, which in turn boosts your confidence when you witness your students succeeding in that area.
There are many other benefits to teaching others, such as:
• Making new connections;
• Sharpening your understanding of the subject;
• Learning new and practicing old skills such as communication and observational skills;
• Looking upon the subject while taking in your students’ observations can help expand your own knowledge.
While you may not be an expert in your field, the people you are teaching will see you as one, and over time you could become one through teaching.
To teach courses you have completed, you need to be qualified. The route towards this used to be the QCF Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS), an initial teacher training qualification, studied at QCF Level 3 or 4.
The course was for those new to teaching, wanting to start out as associate teachers, or currently teaching in the United Kingdom, and requiring certification or qualification or to become full teachers in Further Education (FE) or the Lifelong Learning sector of education. This qualification was offered by City and Guilds or Edexcel.
In 2013 the PTLLS were replaced by the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. This course is a 5-day introduction to training, and the minimum requirement to deliver publicly funded CIEH courses. All the courses offered by SAMS (except the Level 3 Award in Education and Training) can be taught if the trainer has an EAT qualification.
We offer the Level 3 EAT qualification here at our training centre in Kent, with lunch and refreshments provided. To find out more about the training we offer, or to book your place on one of our courses, take a look at our website here.