What is involved in developing and delivering an integrated course based on an accredited programme?

1. What is involved in developing and delivering an integrated course based on an accredited programme? Elaine Clifford, Tutor Jane Savage, Tutor Aoife McCormack, County ALO

2. Introduction • We are talking today about our Learning through Gardening Resource Pack • This Pack forms the basis for our Learning through Gardening course • Learners go forward for a General Learning Award P2GLO

3. Our Presentation • Background • Outline of Learning through Gardening course • Team Approach • Why • Development • Delivery • What we Learned

4. Learning through Gardening A Resource Pack for Adult Literacy Tutors

5. Background • FETAC approved DL Programme at Level 2 • 5 parts of this programme form part of our Learning through Gardening course

6. Learning Through Gardening Course Outline Major Award – Certificate in General Learning The programme is made up of 4 components: • Maths – Quantity and Number (M2N05) • Communications – Writing (M2C02) • Digital Literacy – Using Technology (M2T10) - Computer Skills (M2T11) • Gardening – Life Science/ Horticulture (M2S28)

7. Learning through Gardening Course Outline

8. Team Approach • The Resource Pack was developed in 2010 • We used the award specification to develop our course which was based on previous delivery • We tested the course and ran it • Then nationally in 2013 there was a shared programme writing process led by DL VEC • FETAC co-ordinator in Kerry ETB double checked that the course linked with the module descriptors and nationally shared programme • Team consisted of Tutors, FETAC Resource Worker, County ALO and ALO who all worked together at different times

9. Why Learning through Gardening? • Learners learn better when they have themed literacy and an integrated programme • Local ALO had vision to develop an integrated programme • Gardening appeals to everyone • Centre had a tunnel • All Maths and Communication skills can be taught through Gardening

12. Development of Course Important Factors needed for Development: • Openness • Collaboration • Mix of skills – different tutors bring different skills • Time • Timing • Funding • Learners

13. Development Process • Started the Resource Packs in 2010 • Searched for the most recent award specification • Achieved great understanding of the process • Applied worksheets/lesson plans to learning outcomes and linked them to the theme • Checked and double checked • Accepted it can date & became able to let go

14. Delivery of Course • It helps if Tutor has an interest in gardening • Needs to be learner centred and cater for different learning styles • The Pack can be developed and customised to suit learners • Colour is important on work sheets

15. Some Useful Advice • Use colour sparingly • Use images even if small on worksheets • Be very clear about learning outcomes • At the start devise the templates that you will use throughout • Learn how to insert and format them • Check content, grammar & layout

20. Our Method • Make a commitment and secure the budget • Agree roles, responsibilities and timescales • Visit and meet others who are experts • Do the hard work • Do drafts and proof-read • Seek feedback from other tutors & learners • Decide when to let go (Pack will date)

21. What we learned • The Pack resources will change • Facilitate learners to file worksheets from the start • Course requirements can be hard to find • Our understanding of FETAC level 2 was enhanced • Flexibility is required for time allocated • Good communications between tutors are essential • Check available Resources in the centres

22. Thank You