Which provider do you choose?
26 02 2007
It would be great to get some feedback from Chartered Teachers on their experiences studying at the various providers. While it is easy to examine the costs of each provider I am curious for instance how much support people have received. I have been extremely lucky at Paisley, despite being completely online I have received very good support when needed.
I took Module 1 at Edinbugh over 4 Saturdays.
I found the course very well structured and most of the tutors very helpful indeed, despite some academic posturing from one or 2 lecturers!
The added bonus was guest appearances by 2 big thinkers: Pamela Munn and Lyndsay Paterson. They stimulated much thought and discussion.
I did the entire process through Aberdeen University. I did SEPD, a 6 module claim, UUR and a 4 module WBP- split into Planning and Implementation and report.
I had really good tutors- especially for the first bits- the SEPD and claim, and a really tough and demanding tutor who made my brains ache- but made a researcher out of me at the end of the day.
My stuff was entirely online- I only met a tutor f2f about three months before I submitted my final paper. I met a great study buddy - Barbara- on the way. The only downside is we’re now going to end up doing the Ed.D
I also signed up to be a PGDE(S)DL Associate tutor for Abereen and I’m now a single establishment learn Rep
Aberdeen demands a lot- and isn’t for anyone in search of an easy ride- but you get a real sense of achievement- and a good day out at Graduation
Julie
Hi there
I’ve done 2 modules with the Open University. They’re expensive (£650) but their support materials are excellent, and they wrote the book on distance learning. The support materials only assume you have a PC - they provide office software, virus protection, a typing tutor CD-ROM, everything. The Course Reader (Early Professional Development for teachers) is a good sampler of various concepts - multiple intelligences, learning styles, etc. It’s all online/distance, though during each module there are 2 study Saturdays at Stirling University; these are not compulsory - as some students live far away. (e.g. Stornoway)
Like Napier, they’re cutting back on their courses. They currently provide the 4 core courses. I’m looking to change provider for my other modules; not through dissatisfaction, as the support and professionalism of OU has been excellent, but for tactical reasons - it’s not in my long-term interests to stay with them.
I’m interested in more focussed modules, with a less general remit than Working with Others. If anyone has any experience of these, I’d like to know. Also interested in totally distance learning, one reason OU was so good for me.
Mark
Mark
I have had several recommendations for City & Guilds (with Rocket Learning). I understand that their modules are more based on what you do in the classroom. I am currently completing my 4th module at Napier which is the last one I will be able to do there. I will be looking carefully at the Rocket Learning options as I, too, want to continue with distance learning. They also appear to offer good optional modules and they seem to be very flexible in their approach. I’m also told they are the cheapest.
Jenni
Hi all, I have completed 2 modules for the CT program (through Aberdeen Uni) - SE and UUR. I have made a 3 module claim for ICT and just submitted another 3 module claim based on Inclusive Practice. I have had a discussion with one of the tutors re the WBP - I still have to make a decision on what it will entail. Yes I agree, it’s an expensive and lengthy process, but I know I feel really chuffed with myself when I achieve another goal. Glad we have a place to share thoughts, etc. I definately want to graduate!!
Hi all, thanks for setting this up Hilery and Lynne. I am on module 8 , all done with Paisley online and like Lynne I have been very impressed with Paisley. It suits me to access on an anytime , anyplace, anywhere basis. Being able to collaborate with colleagues from secondary, primary, outreach, from England, Austrailia in one module etc has been the best bit for me. It gets your head outside your classroom and opens your eyes to all the amazing things that are going on out there. I have done two modules a year so far and will continue with this until the conclusion.
Huge amounts of hard work involved but I genuinely feel in touch with what is going on out there in education and much more knowledgeable. The impact on both my own teaching and learning in the classroom has been significant.
Did four core modules but the last four optional: Developing Cognitive flexibility, elearning, eteaching and eassessment, Numeracy and Literacy have been so valuable to my own circumstances.
Great to be sharing with people closer to home for a change.
Sandra
I’m learning more about what it is to be Chartered Teacher through this blog than any other infromation I’ve ever had. Hopefully it will inspire other teachers to follow the same path.
Just to let you know that we have invited Sheila Strain - a Chartered Teacher to join our Strategic 3-18 Learning and Teaching Group. She will represent secondary teachers but this makes two CTs on the group with Sandra McNiven also a member.
The APL route through the GTC will be closed in August 2008. This means that if you are contemplating traversing this pathway then you need to start NOW, especially if you have not yet completed module 1. It might even be too late.
Eleanor Carnell and I began in September 2005 and dragged each other along (and believe me, it was a struggle sometimes!) to get our portfolios and Relective Report in by April 2006. They went to the board in June and - here’s the good news! - we got our first pay rise in July.
For us, who had many modules under our belts it was a logical progression. If anyone is thinking about doing it in a oner, let us know and we can provide support.
I think the single most useful thing we did - apart from wipe each others’ tears occasionally! - was to visit the GTC office and look at others’ portfolios. Suddenly, it seemed possible. I would urge all who are getting near the end to do the same.
I completed Module 1 with Paisley University which, as you probably know by now, is completely online. I am now making a claim in a oner. I am finding it heavy going but I do agree with Hilery about viewing completed portfolios at the GTC office in Edinburgh. I now have a vision in my head of the format that the final piece of work might take. Onward………!
I’d be happy to show my portfolio to anyone at this stage.
Not being into blogging I was intending to be a passive reader of this, but since Don has mentioned my name I had better introduce myself. Despite the way Don worded it, I have not achieved full CT status. I have completed eight modules, all but the last at Moray House. I did Module 1 in the first group to go through, did a few more as an APL claim (not easy, very little help from Moray House, and took two attempts), two more at Moray House and the last one at Napier. Since finishing that one in January I have been contemplating whether I can cope with the research project modules on top of everything else I am doing at the moment. I am looking forward to joining the Strategic Learning and Teaching Group - sounds interesting.
Sheila
So glad you’ve decided to be active - the more comments we get the better this blog will be.
Are you planning to complete the last 4 modules in a oner?
Good luck - and keep us posted!
Hi. I went through the first Module at Moray House - 4 Sat. sessions. Our group was the first and had immediate bad feedback, with several drop outs within the first week! However things improved and it looks as though they are presenting a good Module here.
I continued through the full APL route. Again being early in the development our tutors were not entirely knowledgeable. However I persisted and was awarded the CT in April 2005.
It was hard work but rewarding now, and I remain motivated towards all the curricular and extra curricular activities I continue to do!
As I did not do other Teaching and Learning Modules I do not feel qualified to lead any sessions in this field, but obviously teachers going through the Modules will be very experienced here.