Breaking down the units of the new Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT)

By Vicky, posted
As you may know, the DET qualification is being phased out and is to be replaced by the DIT (diploma in education and training: further education).  We are very excited about this at Train Aid and feel that this qualification is thorough, interesting and open to more varied assessment methods.
There are 11 units in the new qualification, and they will be assessed in a variety of different ways – more details to follow!  This will be a holistic approach to achieving the Level 5 DIT as we will group together similar criteria across units.

In this blog, we will focus on each unit and what the overall areas of focus are to give a general overview.

Unit 1: Pedagogic methodologies and curriculum development in further education


In this unit, you will be asked to investigate pedagogical methodologies in your area of specialism in theory and practice.  You will look at curriculum design with a focus on an inclusive approach.  Amongst other criteria, you will take a look at the prior knowledge of learners and any troublesome knowledge in your area of teaching.

Unit 2: Understanding learners and educational practices in further education


Unit 2 looks at learners’ backgrounds, aspirations and encourages you to analyse any barriers to learning.  Support needs will be explored, along with the value of teamwork, transition and progression.  There is a significant focus on safeguarding within this unit, along with an evaluation of different assessment types.

Unit 3: Professionalisms and inclusive teaching practices in further education


Unit 3 analyses roles and responsibilities and takes a look at relevant legislation.  Communication strategies are an element, along with professional values and considering ethical dilemmas.  Here, you will also consider remote learning.

Unit 4: Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in further education


The focus here is defining equality, diversity and inclusion and showing an understanding of legislation, you will reflect on good practice and actions that could undermine equality, diversity and inclusion.  You will evaluate the impact of inclusive practices and integrate it into your planning and teaching.

Unit 5: Partnership working and collaboration in further education


In this unit, you will reflect on collaborative working and analyse this in your setting.  Strategies for communication will be explored, along with conflict resolution and key steps in establishing trust.

Unit 6: Assessment principles and practice in further education


In Unit 6 you will assess and implement a range of assessment methods and tasks, using technology and reflecting on the success of each.  You will reflect on how to share assessment data and to use it for next steps teaching.

Unit 7: Resource development and management for effective learning in further education


Here, you will analyse digital and non-digital resources, their design and advantages.  You will review legal requirements and design engaging resources in your subject specialism.  The effect on learners will be critically analysed.

Unit 8: Teaching practice in further education


This unit is all about planning – how you create schemes of work and lesson plans – also how you adapt them for varied needs.  You will explore support available in your setting for this and you will also start to develop individual learning plans, encouraging target setting.  You will show how you can use a range of teaching methods and give your learners good feedback.

Unit 9: Behaviour management in further education


A crucial unit, this looks at different behaviours, the impact and factors that influence them.  You will look into and apply behaviour management theories, collaborating with colleagues to do so.  You will evaluate the effectiveness of these and adapt your strategies.

Unit 10: Professional development and reflective practice in further education


You will reflect on how you can develop a CPD plan and how to stay current in your area of specialism.  You will explore models of reflection and use these to evaluate your own practice.

Unit 11: Digital pedagogies for teaching and learning in further education


Last, but not least, you will look at best practices for delivering digitally, develop inclusive digital resources and explore a variety of technologies and their benefits in education.

As you can see, this is a comprehensive exploration of all key aspects of further education.  You will work through the assessment methods and once complete, you will have achieved all 11 units.  There will be more detail about the assessment methods coming soon.  We are very excited about this new course at Train Aid and look forward to being able to share more of the content and approaches with you.


 Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Share this article on social media

Related Articles