Teaching and learning

In this section, the place of teaching and learning in a whole organisation approach is explained. A coherent Skills for Life entitlement for learners is essential. It should ensure that:

Provision is available at times and in places that are convenient and appropriate for learners, with teachers who are fully qualified, and taking account of issues of equality and diversity
Learners can receive the right level and quality of tuition, following a recognised form of assessment
Learners can study for a nationally recognised qualification, using materials and resources that meet national standards.

Learners should have individual learning plans (ILPs) that demonstrate that they are achieving their personal targets. The ILPs should be based upon screening, initial and diagnostic assessment, and follow agreement with the learner on goals and targets.

Ongoing, or formative, assessment should be related to the SMART targets negotiated on a learner's individual learning plan. Progress can then be measured against the small steps that lead to the overall aim.

Teaching and learning - things to consider Materials and resources

High quality teaching and learning materials and resources have been produced; those listed in Skills for Life: Publications (PDF) are freely available and can be adapted for your use as necessary.

Pathfinder organisations were supported by a Whole Organisation Approaches Resources Guide, which lists those resources suggested by grade 1 providers as the most useful. To give further guidance and suggestions for effective use of resources, sets of Resources Menus were produced. You can download the guide and resource menus here:

Embedded delivery

A key objective for the pathfinder colleges was embedding literacy, language and numeracy delivery within the broader vocational curriculum. The following case studies describe how some colleges approached embedding.

Construction