2. Understanding the relationships between teachers and other professionals in lifelong learning. I have roles and responsibilities to the learners and myself. Supporting the learners directly and indirectly and delivering effective teaching is my role throughout the learning process. This means I will have to plan, organise and manage varying learning experiences and give guidance and feed back. Whilst collaborating with other agencies individuals and organisations I will have to create an inclusive and motivating learning environment.
Its my responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the learners in the learning setting. Like all other professionals in education I will come across boundaries, these will have an effect on my teaching and delivery of the lesson: – Signposting- if I have learners who have disabilities or learning difficulties that I am not able or not qualified to teach, then this will be a recognisable boundary. Once I have identified that the learner as additional needs it will be my responsibility to signpost them to where they are able to get the assistance they require. If I fail to recognise a learners needs and do not signpost them it would be bad practice and I would be failing in my role as a teacher, therefore I have to be aware of all internal and external support available to myself and my learners and work collaboratively with them so the learners have the best possible learning experience.
– Professional boundaries- these can include lack of resources for example broken or faulty equipment, deadlines and time restraints, pressure and demands from managers, unmotivated students and the classroom setting (e.g. layout). If these boundaries arise it could have a detrimental effect on my teaching, therefore I would deal with these by referring to the IFL codes of practice and asking colleagues for advice and support. – Personal boundaries- as a teacher I should act appropriately at all times, It is essential that I do not give out personal information and get personally involved with my learners for example by adding them on social network sites. Also It is important to avoid giving one learner preferential treatment over the others. Again I would deal with these by asking colleagues for support and referring to the IFL. 1.2 Describe points of referral to meet the needs of learners There are numerous boundaries that could occur where it may necessary in my role as a teacher to refer to other professional individuals, agencies or organisations. However I must recognise the learners needs before I signpost and refer them. To do this I will conduct an initial assessment. The more in depth this is the more prepared I will be to fulfil the learners needs. Some referral examples are:
– Government agencies such as Information Advice and Guidance centres (IAG) and and Health and Welfare departments can provide help and assist the learner with their individual needs for example by arranging transport for a learner who uses a wheelchair to the classroom. Also the IAG can help give financial advice to learners if they require it. – The local Council would be able to help in supplying a translator if one is required by a learner on a course whose first language isn’t English. They can also help provide a signer for a learner with hearing difficulties. It would be good practice if I was to research and make myself aware of the Managers associated with these organisations and keep a list of them to advice my learners if they require it. The local council could also help in providing a list of childcare facilities if a learner should require them.
– Specialist teachers and organisations can help leaners who have physical and learning disabilities for example visual problems and Dyslexia or Dyspraxia and provide the help and support required to allow them access to the education they desire and have a fulfilled learning experience. 1.3 Summaries own responsibilities in relation to other professionals Successful collaboration with other professionals will provide the learners with the best possible learning experience. So in all aspects of my work I must be organised and punctual. I will achieve this with by maintaining up to-date records and information on my learners.
I also have a responsibility to be a role model and show the appropriate behaviour and manage the student’s behaviour. The reporting of any issues of concern and behavioural issues to other professionals is my duty as a teacher and ensuring all other professionals are aware of all other relevant information, so they can provide the correct support to the learner. I will strive to always show other professionals respect and understand that they fully support my learners, so I understand the need for me to become familiar with specialist teachers, government bodies and managers that can offer the best support for my learners to meet their needs.
