Evaluation of the tests and trials of the initial teaching award ‘Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ (PTLLS) – Lifelong Learning UK

Background

Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) is the sector skills council for the lifelong learning sector. The then Department for Education and Skills (DfES) tasked LLUK with taking forward the reform of initial teacher training in the sector. Consequently, LLUK developed a new set of qualifications within the new teacher qualifications framework (TQF). PTLLS is the first of these qualifications. It will be required from September 2007 from every new tutor, trainer and teacher in the lifelong learning sector. The tests and trials of PTLLS formed part of an exciting and challenging stage of qualifications development in the sector.

Task

PTLLS was being tested and trialled before the full rollout in September 2007. Therefore, LLUK wanted to commission an evaluation to determine how PTLLS fitted in with existing similar provision and practices, establish the issues arising for teachers and learners in the different learning environments of the tests and trials, and produce a report with key recommendations for further development of PTLLS.

Assignment

Our study was highly consultative to reflect what the sector had to say about the new award. We undertook in-depth interviews and extensive case studies across all constituencies: higher education, further education, adult and community education, and work-based learning.

Finding

The report was made public on the LLUK and our website. The finding informed key developments and future research specifications.

Since then…

As a result of the client’s high satisfaction with our work, we received a further commission to undertake an evaluation of the second round of the tests and trials of the new qualifications, now including not only PTLLS but the Certificate (CTLLS). We completed this assignment in September 2007.

Contact

If you would like more information about this project or would like to discuss similar work with us, please contact us at info@yorkconsulting.co.uk. A copy of the first report is available from this website.