Teacher Training Qualifications For The Lifelong Learning Sector – A Comparison Of Higher Education Institution And Awarding Body Qualifications

Abstract

This paper focuses on Initial Teacher Training (ITT) for the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS) in England. Based on research with teachers and Teacher Educators at four different Lifelong Learning sites, it explores the relative value of different forms of ITT, offered by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and alternative awarding bodies. It shows that, whilst the majority of respondents regard awarding body courses as adequate, most perceive HEI programmes to be superior to other forms of teacher training – both in terms of labour market currency and the quality of learning provided.