Becoming a Teacher
Take your first steps towards teaching with this practical course exploring the basics of what it means to become a teacher.
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
Becoming a Teacher
Learn what being a teacher is really like
This course is for anyone thinking about becoming a teacher – it will help you to decide if teaching is for you, give you a sense of what teaching is really like and help you to start writing your application for initial teacher education.
You’ll learn from teaching experts at The Open University, student teachers, and teachers themselves about what it’s really like to work in primary and secondary schools – challenging some common assumptions along the way.
You’ll also explore different teaching methods and environments, and begin writing your application for initial teacher education.
Syllabus
Week 1
IS TEACHING FOR ME?
Welcome to Becoming a Teacher
The aim of this week is to stimulate you to think about teaching and education beyond your own learning experiences.
Exploring your motivations to teach
Exploring the range of reasons for becoming a teacher may help to clarify whether teaching is for you.
Glimpses into differences in teaching
There are some striking differences between some schools’ approaches to learning that might challenge your assumptions and therefore alter your perspective of the job role.
Teaching beyond schools
There are teaching opportunities in places other than schools that you may not have thought about before, which may broaden your horizons.
Your personal qualities and life story
To help you decide about teaching, you will now consider whether you have the capabilities to become a teacher, and how to decide if this is the next part of your life story.
Week 2
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF TEACHING?
Welcome to Week 2
The aim of this week is explore the nature of teaching – how it is perceived, what the reality of teaching is, and how you can form an informed and accurate picture of what teaching involves.
Perceptions of the teaching role
In order to make an informed decision about teaching, you will need to develop a reasonably accurate picture of the reality of effective teaching and learning.
New teachers’ experiences
Understanding what being a new teacher is like will ensure that you have realistic expectations of what teaching involves.
The highs and lows of learning to teach
Learning any new job often consists of highs and lows, so it is worth exploring what these might be from the outset, by viewing the accounts of developing teachers and a former student.
Week 3
WHAT DO TEACHERS SAY ABOUT THEIR WORK?
Welcome to Week 3
The aim of this week is to explore some interesting areas of debate in teaching around the world, and what teachers themselves think about them – in order to familiarise yourself with these kinds of issues.
Your fast-track insight into topical conversations
Before deciding to work in any sector, it’s a good idea to know a bit about some of the contemporary issues in the field.
Interpreting negative comments about teaching
How do you interpret negative comments about teaching from others: are they misinformed or a reflection of reality?
Common conversations across countries
Similar conversations often occur across countries, and here you explore what people are saying about four contemporary topics.
Week 4
YOUR FUTURE
Welcome to Week 4
The aim of this week is to explore the process of applying to teach: what skills and experience you need and how to get them, and how your existing experience can work to your advantage.
Understanding your story
Understanding your personal story is a process you can use to help make the right decision about whether teaching is for you. It could also support you in creating a compelling application for initial teacher education.
Preparing to apply to teach
The next stage is for you to research becoming a teacher in more detail, such as the requirements for teaching and gaining appropriate experience.
Practical advice for applications
To present yourself in the best possible way in any application, act on the advice of those who read those applications and interview people for initial teacher education courses.
Other valuable information
If you are interested in other nation-specific information on teaching-related careers or any specialist area of teaching, you will need to seek further advice.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
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...
- Identify whether teaching is for you and your reasons for choosing to teach.
- Evaluate varied perspectives about teaching and learning in schools.
- Describe the nature of contemporary teaching and the role of the teacher.
- Explain your beliefs about teaching.
- Reflect on teaching and education beyond your own school experiences.
- Debate some interesting issues in teaching around the world.
- Identify the skills and experience you need and how to get them.
- Develop the skills required to apply for initial teacher education.
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone currently thinking of going into the teaching profession. It would be ideal if you are studying or about to start an undergraduate degree or are thinking of changing career to become a teacher.
What software or tools do you need?
There are no specific software requirements or tools needed to study this course.
Who will you learn with?
I am a Professor of Sport Education with a deep interest in learning, teaching & coaching. I have worked in educational environments all my life & love seeing both young and old improve & develop.
Who developed the course?
The Open University
As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.
Established
1969Location
Milton Keynes, UKWorld ranking
Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
What's included?
The Open University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
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
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