Welfare Reform on the Web (January 2004): Education - UK - Training

ATTACK ON TEACHING OF ADULT LEARNERS

L. Ward

The Guardian, December 2nd 2003, p.5

Adults unable to read or write are being taught by poorly qualified teachers because of beliefs that sympathy and a "positive attitude" are more important than good teaching. Alan Wells, Director of the Basic Skills Agency, believes too many adult learners, studying basic skills, were suffering "death by worksheet" under the supervision of underskilled teachers.

QUALIFICATIONS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A DISCUSSION WITH REFERENCE TO CONSERVATORS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

S. Lester

Studies in Continuing Education, Vol. 25, 2003. p. 269-283

Professional qualifications are associated with entry routes and qualifying to practise; in addition they also now play a large role in the development of experienced practitioners. The profession of conservation (of historic and artistic works) provides a case study of a profession where many questions about training, qualifications and practising requirements are still open. Using this profession as a lens, questions can be posed about the kinds of entry routes and initial qualifications that are most relevant for would-be practitioners, what means are appropriate to approve practitioners as fully qualified and how qualifications can play an effective role in continuing professional development.