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Introduction to Teaching: Preparing for Teacher Training

Prepare yourself to enter the world of teacher training by exploring basic educational principles and career pathways.

School teacher in the classroom showing a diagram to 4 pupils
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Discover what it means to be a teacher with Edge Hill University

This four-week course from Edge Hill University will provide you with fundamental insights into teaching and learning. The course will help you reflect on what it means to be an educational professional, as well as to understand the important role that teachers play in our world.

At the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge you require to pursue your PGCE or further studies in the educational sector.

Learn key pedagogical concepts such as active learning and scaffolding

Research in learning theory and design has transformed the educational industry by helping teachers understand the ways in which students learn best.

You will learn about pedagogical concepts such as active learning and scaffolding, and use this knowledge to develop and uplift your teaching strategies to engage students.

Delve into practical classroom management strategies

While educational theory is integral to becoming a great teacher, the practical component of teaching can be daunting, especially for someone new to the industry.

On this course, you’ll develop your understanding of the practicalities of classrooms and education settings. Through this, you’ll become more comfortable in educational spaces and learn to foster a positive and engaging classroom climate.

Explore education pathways to further your professional development

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a large impact on opportunities for work experience and teacher training. This course from the experts at Edge Hill University aims to provide an opportunity for aspiring educators to learn more about teaching and the educational space.

By the end, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to start your journey to a career in education.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Education and you

    • Welcome to the course

      We are delighted to welcome you to this course. Education can mean different things to different people - let's start by getting you to introduce yourself in the comments and tell us what brought you here!

    • What makes a good student teacher?

      Let's think about the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will support you during teacher education.

    • Ready, study, go...

      Let's consider some of the study skills you will utilise in Higher Education.

  • Week 2

    Understanding the education system

    • Let's look at the education eco-system

      Welcome to week two! This week we will be looking at the shape of the education system. You'll get to understand the different age phases and where you might want to fit!

  • Week 3

    The cornerstones of Initial Teacher Education

    • Becoming an educational professional

      Your journey in initial teacher education will be shaped by several key frameworks. This week will explore them and your professional duties as an educator in more depth.

    • Behaviour

      Let's think about the basics of behaviour.

    • Wellbeing

      Consider what wellbeing is in education.

    • The Chartered College of Teaching

      Being a professional means looking beyond your setting and playing a part in the wider education community. This step will explore the Chartered College of Teaching.

    • Let's reflect!

      Let's reflect on your learning from week 3

  • Week 4

    Going beyond: the rich experiences you'll experience on your teacher education journey

    • Learning outside the classroom

      At Edge Hill University your learning goes far beyond the physical walls of the classroom.

    • Don't be phased by phases!

      What are the different phases in education?

    • That's all... for now!

      You have completed the course!

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore general principles of contemporary education enabling you to evidence an interest in and awareness of the key aspects of education.
  • Engage in opportunities to develop your understanding of the practicalities of classrooms and education settings.
  • Reflect on the role of a teacher or educator as a professional.
  • Investigate the opportunities that further education study can provide.
  • Collect evidence of your own knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the education sector.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for aspiring educational professionals or anybody who has an interest in the educational sector or teacher training.

It will also be beneficial to educators who would like to understand or revisit the basic principles of education.

Who will you learn with?

Sarah Hallam is a Senior Fellowship Lead in the Faculty of Education at Edge Hill University.

Who developed the course?

Edge Hill University

Edge Hill University has been providing higher education since 1885 and is based on an attractive, award-winning 160-acre campus in Lancashire, close to Liverpool and Manchester.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...

You can use the hashtag #FLPrepareToTeach to talk about this course on social media.