Carole is PCET Networks FE Champion this month!

FE CHAMPIONS MAY 2007

Carole Mellars

Interview

PCET Network: What is your job role? How long have you been doing it? Career History?

From September 2006 I have been self-employed as an Adult Education Consultant, presently writing materials for a government funded booklet introducing Female Offenders to Key Skills.  I am an assistant Examiner for Cambridge International Examinations, GCSE English & IT. A future project is to deliver basic skills and Citizenship FE to prisoners’ families. Prior to taking a career change, I was a FE Tutor in a long-term Category B adult male prison delivering Skills for Life & all Key skills in a working environment. I implemented and subsequently the sole Internal Verifier for NVQ Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations, training, supervising and mentoring instructors in the role of trainers and assessors.  I have also taught Young Offenders, Modern Apprentices, Post 16 and adult evening classes in the community.

PCET Network: What do you enjoy most about teaching adult learners?

I am in agreement with other FE tutors, the most enjoyable thing about teaching adult learners is that they are enthusiastic, appreciative and say thank you, quite often.  Adult learners are often supportive, they can rescue a lesson when it hasn’t gone to plan with humour and encouraging comments; some will take on the role of impromptu support tutor when another learner is experiencing difficulties. They can respect you as teacher, confidant and the only person they know who can understand the local bus timetable.        

PCET Network: Do you have any good advice that you wish to share with other FE Tutors?

One of the main disadvantages about teaching adult learners is that you no longer have a “blank canvas”. Although eager to learn, in many instances they have had to overcome so many barriers before they have committed themselves to attending a class or a course. Treat your learners as equals respecting the knowledge and experiences that they bring with them, regardless of background, present status or academic level.  One of the greatest resources when teaching adult learners is the learners themselves, interact with them and they will enrich your life too.

PCET Network: How did you become an FE Tutor?

A self-employed business administrator for over 20 years, setting up office systems and training sole traders in book-keeping, pay-roll, IT and communication skills. My client list was mainly construction or road haulage.These sectors attract a workforce who have excellent practical skills but a large majority have  a lower level of literacy and numeracy skills. A large amount of my administrative work involved teaching and training prompting me to become a voluntary literacy tutor, during the 1908’s.  After qualifying as a Part-time teacher in adult education I taught Crochet Yarn Skills too, however this involved helping learners to read instructions, change metric to imperial and write down measurement correctly.  On a  government funded Cert.Ed., course my work placement was at a training centre with responsibilities for Road Haulage, Administration and Accountancy Modern Apprentices.  I carried out a pilot Key skills project for the centre and achieved D32/33. I was a participant in the DfEE Key Skills Practitioner Award – achieving 4 KS at Level 4 & IT at Level 3 plus QCA U1019481/90/91 in six months, followed by D34.  During my FE training I was approached by an organisation to carry out a skills research in the Forest of Bowland, this was followed by a post at a Young Offenders Institute as Key Skills/NVQ Administration tutor.

PCET Network: What would you say to someone that is thinking about becoming an FE Tutor?

The work is extremely rewarding, however, you have to be prepared to be adaptable in your approach to teaching, your teaching style and your lesson preparation.  Adult learners can be very demanding as individuals.  Be prepared to teach in a diverse range of environments without basic equipment.  Shadow as many tutors as possible, observe lessons and talk to the tutors.  If you are thinking of teaching in a prison, there is no increase in pay, you will be on your own in the classroom, the nearest disciplinary officer could be out of earshot and a lesson can be three hours without a break.  Education for offenders in prison is voluntary which means you still have to monitor retention figures, maintain class levels and achieve targets.   It is very rewarding work and new tutors are always welcome.

PCET Network: Do you have any interesting hobbies or pastimes?

I love artistic yarn skills; incorporating computer skills with yarn & fabric by printing and painting on materials.  Exploring National Trust properties, the historical backwaters of London and computer skills;.  I am a member of women’s business organisation and the past chairman of a local business club, now an honorary life member.  Meeting up with family, grandchildren and friends for a good meal and a natter; spending time walking in the countryside with my husband and I am editor of a quarterly newsletter.

PCET Network is pleased to introduce Carole Mellars as the PCET Network FE Champion for May 2007.

Note: If you feel that you, or a tutor that you know, deserves to be recognised as an FE Champion, then please submit their name and email address to info@pcet.net – quoting FE Champion in the subject field.