On Friday, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) held the Teacher Training Graduation Ceremony at the Westin Dragonara Resort. Sixty two participants received certificates after successfully completing courses in pedagogy.

Forty two assistant lecturers teaching at various MCAST Institutes obtained the BTEC Certificate in Further Education Teaching while twenty primary and secondary school teachers obtained the BTEC Professional Certificate in Primary/Secondary Education Teaching. The certificates are recognised as Level 5 qualifications by the European Qualifications Framework.

The MCAST assistant lecturers completed an intensive eighteen-month course in pedagogy at further education level specifically designed for a vocational education and training institution. The certificate is offered to MCAST assistant lecturers as part of their continuous professional development that is in line with the aims mentioned in the College’s Strategic Plan.

Twenty teachers successfully completed the BTEC Professional Certificate in Primary/Secondary Education Teaching. This course was agreed upon in February 2006 after discussions between the College and the Education Directorates. The two-year evening course was held for part-time instructors who had been in full time employment before 6 October 1999 and who did not possess a recognised pedagogy course certificate.

The BTEC Certificates in Teacher Training included eights units. The first unit was specifically designed for the vocational further education field and the primary/secondary area respectively. The other seven units were common for both courses and included the following units, ‘Communications and the Teacher,’ ‘Professional Practitioner,’ ‘Induction, Initial Assessment and Support’, ‘Learning Theories and Teaching Techniques’, ‘Teaching Practice and Resources,’ ‘Purpose and Use of Assessment’ and ‘Research Project.’ Each unit consisted of 30 or 60 guided learning hours involving the notional measure of the teaching, instruction and assessment, together with other structured learning time such as directed assignments or supported.

The main objective of the teacher training courses was to provide course participants with key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for successful teaching. Course participants were expected to develop a range of skills which included the application of educational theories to practical and realistic classroom situations, the synthesis of a range of concepts, the knowledge and skills relating to teaching and the ability to research and investigate educational policies and practices.

During the graduation ceremony the graduates and guests were addressed by Ms Josephine Pace Caruana a representative of the lecturers, Prof Maurice Grech, Principal and CEO of the College and Mr. Paul A Attard, President of the Board of Governors.

In his speech Prof Maurice Grech, MCAST Principal and CEO mentioned the importance of continuous professional development and MCAST’s pledge in that regard. He stated that the College has received funds from the EU for a project related to the Professional Development Programmes for MCAST staff and top-up degrees for students. He also mentioned that these are exciting times with many interesting projects including the professional development of staff both academic and other, the launch of the degree programmes, the completion of a large number of ESF and ERDF projects and the initiation of the Master Plan Project.

Mr Paul A Attard, President of the Board of Governors spoke about the many important qualities that a professional teacher possesses and the vital role he/she plays for both the student and society in general. He ended by congratulating the graduates and reminded them of the mission of the College ‘to place the student at the heart of all that they do.’

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