Postgraduate Certificate in Assessment for Learning Teaching Strategies

MQF Level: 7

ECTS Value: 30 ECTS

Start Date: September

Duration: 2 Years (Part-time)

Programme Description

Assessment for Learning is the underpinning pedagogy which encompasses strategies that if adopted enhance the experience of teaching and learning. This course is intended to enable participants to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and competences to function effectively in the classroom.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to be in possession of the following:

1a) A Bachelor of Education (MQF 6, 180 ECTS) or equivalent; OR
b) A Bachelor’s degree (MQF Level 6 with a minimum of 180 ECTS) in addition to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (MQF 6, 60 ECTS) or equivalent; OR
c) A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7 with a minimum of 90 ECTS, or equivalent) and a Permanent Teacher’s Warrant

AND

2. Employed within a licensed State (primary/middle/secondary) School

Course Outline

First Year

Code	Description	Credits
PGCAfL101	Understanding where learners stand in their learning	5 ECTS
PGCAfL102	Clear and Shared Learning Intentions	5 ECTS
PGCAfL103	Clear and Shared Success criteria	5 ECTS

Second Year

Code	Description	Credits
PGCAfL104	Maximising Opportunities to think through Good and Effective Questioning	5 ECTS
PGCAfL105	Quality Feedback	5 ECTS
PGCAfL106	Self and Peer Assessment	5 ECTS

N.B. Please note that while the above provides an indication of the overall programme structure, the years in which modules are delivered may change or be replaced as part of the Institute for Education’s administrative processes.

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

By the end of this programme, the learner will be able to:

1. Define assessment and the different purposes it has;

2. Identify the key areas of classroom practice associated with assessment;

3. Use different methods of assessment such as formative/summative;

4. Keep abreast with the key literature related to Assessment and how it can impact teaching and learning;

5. Select the right and appropriate methods of assessment to cater for the individual needs of the learners;

6. Create a more efficient student-centred environment enabling learners to become more autonomous.

Mode of Delivery

The Day course is delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions held during school hours (Curriculum Development Sessions or Subject Department meetings). These sessions will be held in small groups focusing on each Assessment for Learning strategy with discussions supported by research literature, personal experience as well as lesson planning and feedback. Reading material, videos and other resources will be available on the Institute for Education online portal.

The Evening course is delivered online with live group sessions focusing on each Assessment for Learning strategy supported by research literature, personal experience, lesson planning and peer feedback. Onsite visits will also be conducted by staff to support and assess course participants in implementing the AfL strategies.

For further details, kindly refer to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and Procedures.

Assessment Methods

This programme adopts a variety of assessment methods include portfolios, lesson planning and observation, and evaluations on practice.

For further details regarding assessment policies, procedures and grading, kindly refer to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and Procedures.

Applications

Applications for this programme open mid-May on alternate years with programmes commencing the following September.

When open, interested applicants may apply through the Institute for Education’s online portal: https://ife.portal.gov.mt/programme/apply

For any queries related to the Admissions process kindly contact [email protected]