Learning at Work Week 2018 – Learning by Studying

Learning at work takes place every day, whether you deal with a new type of query in your inbox, a pupil asks you a question you don’t know the answer to or you learn how you can get through to a student. Learning also occurs when you read articles, keep up to date with the news, shadow a colleague or discover a new resource hub to help with the pesky lesson planning. Informal learning like this is great for keeping work interesting and challenging but you can also learn new skills through formal learning opportunities. 

Formal learning such as studying qualification are important to help progress your career, keep your role interesting and varied, and to get you are up to speed with important information. Not only is formal training equipping you to deal with different situations it also gives you “soft skills” you can apply in everyday life.

I know about gaining soft skills first hand as I am currently studying for qualification myself and not only have I learnt loads about my chosen field it’s also helped me gain leadership skills, improve in confidence and have greater understanding of how my organisation works. My course requires me to deliver presentations; something I would never have been able to do in the workplace normally, but by stretching myself in a supportive environment, I have learned how to deliver presentations to groups and gained the confidence needed to do this. Without embarking on my qualification, I wouldn’t have gained these skills, skills that help me regularly in the workplace.  

Undertaking a qualification or attending a training course helps you to meet like minded people, share your experiences and create a network to help you develop your career or find new opportunities in future. You will also learn by listening to others share their experiences of dealing with challenging situations or perhaps new ways of working to save time for example. This information can then be applied in your workplace, teaching others along the way.  A great example of how Teachers can get involved in a network of learning is by attending a Teach Meet event. 

Talk to your school about how you can get access to more training or even ask them if there is a possibility of undertaking a more formal qualification. The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy last year has meant that there is funding available for existing school staff to undertake apprenticeships in the workplace.

There are also new teaching apprenticeships available to help post graduates begin a career in teaching, or support unqualified teachers to gain QTS. Apprentices will be given school led training and have 20% of their time off timetable to learn the pedagogy of teaching. 

With the plethora of qualifications, training course and events available to educators there has never been an easier time to do more learning in the workplace. 

If you are interested in finding other learning opportunities, read this blog created for The Festival of Learning.