PGCE/Cert Ed Yr1 Module TS1303

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PGCE/Cert Ed Yr1                            Module TS1303                           Assignment 1         

        

This assignment focuses on a module dealing with a casualty who is unconsciousness. This has been selected from the Health and Safety approved Four Day First Aid at Work scheme of work. This module lasts for approximately one and a half hours. The learning outcome is to demonstrate their ability to carry out the correct, current procedure for a causality that is unconscious but breathing. This module is a imperative part of the course for any group of students as any medical condition could lead to unconsciousness. The main aim of the topic, First Aid is to preserve life and as all the students are attending this course to achieve this aim it is important they know how to treat an unconscious casualty.

During the module on unconsciousness a wide range of teaching methods and resources are used. These include listening to the trainer, group work, sharing past personal experiences, watching a DVD, watching a demonstration from the trainer, practical group work and teaching/evaluating other learners performance.  

Listening to the trainer – This teaching method utilises the trainers knowledge and personal past experiences. The trainers can tailor this to the group of learners and make it relevant to the learners and their background; this could be done by thinking of accidents that could happen on a building site if the learner’s are from the type of workplace.

Group Work – This shares knowledge, thoughts and experiences. Group work can be conducted in various forms depending on the learning outcomes.

Watching DVDs – Short informative DVD films can be used to engage learners. This offers a more realistic visual aid.

Watching a demonstration from the trainer- This is carried out in front of the whole group, the demonstration can be tailored to the learning group and made relevant to them and their background. This also offers the opportunity for the trainer to answer any questions or concerns from the students during the demonstration.

Practical Group Work – This allows the learners the opportunity to actively use the skills they have learnt by practical completing the task. This teaching method can help learners gain confidence.

Teaching/evaluating other learners – By working in small groups during practical activities learners can offer their support and guidance peer to peer.  

The range of teaching methods used in this module is wide and varied, each have their own advantages in helping the learner achieve their learning outcome. Listening to the trainer is useful in teaching theoretical topics, the problem occurs when the learners switch off from the trainer and may not listen,

“A lecture is an event where information passes from the notes of a lecturer into the notes of a student, without passing through the brains of either” (Petty 2001:127)

This problem is overcome in this module as the method is only used to a minimum at the start when introducing the topic. The main resource used here is the digital presentation which lists what topics are going to be covered. This is an effective way to visually present the information to the whole group.  Group work enables the learners to share thought, knowledge and experiences when carrying out specific tasks and activities. This allows interaction between learners, encourages participation and learners learn from each other. This method needs to be managed by the trainer regarding time limits, progress, ensure the direction of each group is correct and that allowing all groups to feedback and debrief.

Watching a DVD is a visual way of showing a skill, this is very effective in showing a practical skill, “Effective teachers use not only their knowledge, skills but a range of teaching methods and aids” (Hay 200:187). It is hard to tailor the DVD scenario to the group as these are pre-filmed and very generic. Comparing the DVD to the learners watching a demonstration by the trainer is close, however the demonstration can be tailored and adapted to the learner’s background and the industry they work in, this could be dealing with a casualty who is laid in bed if the learners are from a Care Sector background. The demonstration also allows the learners the option to ask questions when needed to the trainer. It also allows the trainer to ask questions to the group of learners this forms part of the formative assessment and can be used to encourage participation by asking the quiet learners questions. The important aspect of a demonstration is that the trainer must ensure that all learners can visually see the demonstration; this comes from the trainer’s preparation and the layout of the room. After the learners have watched a demonstration, small practical group work is the natural progression. Ongoing help and support is available from the trainer throughout this method but also from the learner’s peers. Working in small group and rotating each role within the group encourages group participation and ongoing support and guidance. This is important as the trainer will find it hard to observe all groups at once. While working in small groups, the group can evaluate each others performance and learn from each other. Each learner may also choose to make additional notes in the course handbook from what they have learnt from each other.

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The course handbook is another useful resource which contains all the information for this module. One potential problem is that if the learner has already pre-read the book then the small group work might not draw on the learner’s pre-knowledge but on the information they have just read. This problem can be overcome by ensuring the learners do not pre-read the book but make reference to it just before the small practical group work sessions.

Using such a wide range of teaching methods and resources in that order can help learners achieve the outcomes, as Bruner (1915-62) which has ...

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