Justify the need for keeping records and describe the types of records you would maintain.

As a teacher, keeping records is important for a number of reasons, including those identified by Wilson (2008), such as: auditing purposes, information gathering, quality assurance systems, health and safety management and financial accountability. Accurate and timely record keeping aids the administrative processes within a college which in turn helps to ensure that learners are issued with the correct resources, learning and development opportunities and certifications, and that other staff and I can fulfil our role requirements in accordance to policies and procedures. Record keeping also helps with organisational, awarding body requirements and professional association good practice guidelines. Keeping records will help the learner, the college and me to keep track each learners progress and will help in evaluating and developing the course and overall in contributing to the quality and reputation of the college. I agree with Mierzwiks (2005) assertions that record keeping can improve the quality of teaching and would be especially interested in using records to help me improve and develop my teaching. In addition, by keeping records for each learner, I would be able to build on Pettys (2009) presentation of constructivist theory of new learning being constructed on old. I could use the student records to support learners to reflect back on work they have already completed, and subsequently link new ideas and activities within the course. If learners or other professionals want to review, access or question any aspect of the course, my teaching or particular assessments, accurate and up-to-date records will aid this process. The types of records I think I will be required to keep include: course handbook; learner application forms; enrolment forms; attendance registers; individual learning plans; schemes of work; lessons plans; hand-outs; presentations; worksheets; completed evaluation forms; health and safety and first aid records; risk assessments; student records which would include all assessments, copies of

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PTTLS Assignment 7 Record keeping February 2011 Aminder K Nijjar

feedback, and their reflective logs, summaries of one-to-one discussions I may have with them, and requests received from them or others (such a reference request); and my own professional development plan, reflection logs, peer observation feedback, appraisal forms and timesheets.
Word count: 345 words

References Petty, G. (2009) Teaching Today: A Practical Guide, Fourth Edition: Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes Ltd Mierzwik, N. D. (2005) Classroom Record Keeping made Simple: Tips for TimeStrapped Teachers: London, Sage Publications Wilson, L. (2008) Practical Teaching: A guide to PTLLS & CTLLS, Hampshire: Cengage Learning EMEA

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PTTLS Assignment 7 Record keeping February 2011 Aminder K Nijjar