Doing Your PGCE at M-Level: A Guide for Students

'An indispensable guide for anyone who wants to get the most out of new opportunities to study to become a teacher at M-Level. The book explains, in clear and accessible language, what studying at Masters level entails and the benefit it can bring in terms of career progression and continuing professional development' - James Rogers, Executive Director, Universities Council for the Education of Teachers. 'This book is a timely aid for students embarking on what they may perceive as being the doubly daunting prospect of becoming a schoolteacher and engaging with Masters level study. I enjoyed reading it very much and feel that it is an essential aid to beginning PGCE students. I am very pleased to recommend it to students and their tutors on Masters level PGCE courses in Higher Education Institutions across the sector' - Dr Alison Jackson, ESCalate ITE Leader, University of Cumbria.'As a PGCE student, I found this to be essential reading.A highly comprehensive yet very accessible text, it will be useful not only to those considering doing a M-Level PGCE, but also as a survival handbook for those already on the course' - Diane Troughton, PGCE student. 'I was very impressed at the invaluable advice and support this book offers. It poses excellent questions that encourage personal reflection and offers helpful case studies to clearly illustrate ideas. It gives a complete picture in a clear, accessible manner' - Katie Pragnell, PGCE student.What is PGCE at Masters (M) Level and what can you expect from the course? How can it help you to develop as a professional? Postgraduate initial teacher training courses now offer a choice of routes to qualification, leading to either a postgraduate or a professional award. This book will both help students to select the route which is right for them, and guide them through making the transition to studying at M-level. Designed to support students through the course, from induction to decisions about employment or further study, this book reflects the reality of completing a PGCE at M-level.Each chapter features: case study examples from both primary and secondary settings, which exemplify key issues; reflective activities to help students develop critical skills; and, a questioning approach which enables readers to apply the text to their own specific context. Covering reflective practice in school-based training, developing professionalism through work in specific subject areas, researching practice, improving academic writing, the process of getting a job and advice on continuing study, this book will be essential reading for PGCE students. Keira Sewell is programme director of the Primary PGCE at Southampton University. Contributors to the book are members of the primary and secondary PGCE teams at the University of Southampton and the University of Cumbria.

Table of Contents:
1. What will the PGCE at M level do for me? What is the difference between the Postgraduate Certificate in Education and the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education? What does a PGCE at M level look like? How do I decide which route is for me? 2. What can I expect my PGCE at M level to look like at subject level? You as a subject specialist and competent teacher You as a professional educator Possible answers to activities 3. What can I expect my PGCE at M level to look like during my school-based training? What exactly is reflection? So how can you develop your reflective skills and what is your role in this process? How should you record the process of reflection? The role of the mentor What does my mentor get out of it? 4. What is the relationship between research and development as a professional? What role does research play in my professional development? Educational theory Reading research How do I research my own practice? Problems with M level research writing What has this to do with your professional development? 5. How does academic writing at M level make me a better teacher? What is my tutor looking for in my academic study? From H to M level And so to reading ! Using the library Two case studies starting with excellent! Writing well How does academic writing make me a better teacher? 6. Getting a job with a PGCE at M level. So how do I sell myself to potential employers? Filling out the application form Planning a sample lesson Being interviewed After the interview 7. Continuing your studies Why should I continue my studies? What further study options are available? What part of my PGCE at M level can I use to transfer into a Masters award? What course should I choose? When should I continue with my studies? Potential barriers to further study