Diploma in Teaching - Will you require placements?
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Understanding the placements needed for the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching
If you are not currently working in education, you would need to find a placement at an educational organisation to teach the face-to-face element of the Diploma - perhaps offer to teach on a voluntary basis, where they will allow you to teach and complete your qualification whilst on your placement. You'll need to offer them 150 hours teaching practice and 100 hours professional practice. It sounds a lot, but once you are teaching, time will fly - remember you can spread the course and your practice over 6 to 12 months. You can use two different placements if you want to.
Live Online Teaching Practice Element
If your organisation does not offer online live delivery, Otaquas Training will provide you with a placement that allows you to teach the 20 required online hours.
How Otaquast Training Supports Your Placement
Otaquast Training offers dedicated placements for the online teaching part of your teaching practice assessment. Our program provides:
Training in teaching online.
Access to real learners in an online setting.
Supervision and feedback from qualified mentors.
Flexible scheduling to fit around your other commitments.
A safe and supportive environment to develop your teaching skills.
This service removes the stress of finding your online placement independently, and ensures you meet the diploma’s online professional practice requirements.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Placement
To succeed in your placement or teaching role, consider these practical tips:
Prepare thoroughly: Plan your lessons carefully and align them with the learning objectives.
Engage your learners: Use interactive methods to keep students involved, especially online.
Reflect regularly: Keep a journal of your experiences and feedback to improve continuously.
Communicate clearly: Whether online or in person, clear instructions and explanations are vital.
Seek feedback: Actively ask your mentor and learners for input on your teaching.
What Happens After Your Placement?
During your placement, you will need to submit evidence of your teaching practice. This usually includes:
Lesson observation reports.
Lesson plans.
Teaching and learning resources.
Reflective accounts of your teaching experiences.
Feedback from mentors and learners.
Your assessor will review this evidence alongside your written work to decide if you have met the diploma standards. On completion, you will take part in a professional discussion in a final meeting with both your mentor and your assessor.
Final Thoughts on Placements for the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching
Teaching roles or placements are an essential part of the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching assessment. They provide the practical experience needed to demonstrate your teaching abilities.
To secure placements, compile a list of FE providers in and around your area, then call or pop in (better) and ask to speak to someone from the Quality department or your specialist area. They may be grateful for the extra pair of hands!
Taking advantage of our online teaching placement can save you time and ensure you meet the diploma requirements confidently. Remember, practical experience is key to becoming an effective teacher, and placements give you the chance to build that experience in a supportive environment.
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