Why the new TA College Candidate Handbook is a great tool for supporting you on your course
An #Inspirational Introduction
When opening the first page of the new Candidate Handbook, you will get a friendly introduction to the Teaching Assistant College, welcoming new students and showing our amazing way of studying as well as the support we offer while you are on your journey with us. We want our students to feel inspired and supported while completing their course, to show that their vision is also ours too.
Starting on the first few pages (5,6,7,8) you can personalise the Handbook by writing down all the details that are going to be important throughout your course, so this will include your name, your tutors name, email address, phone number etc.
On pages 6 and 7 is the course overview, where you can fill in your course details; Which course you’re doing, how many units, how long you are working on the course for.
On page 7, the Handbook allows you to plan how you are going to utilise your time while completing your course, also what challenges you may need to overcome and even thinking about your next steps after the course is completed.
The focus of page 8 is your placement (if your course specifies that you need one) and overall information about your role, how many hours you are doing and your mentors name.
We at the TA College know sometimes it can be hard to keep on track of coursework, especially when you have such a busy life! But there is no need to worry because you will have regular contact and support from your tutor. The tutor you are assigned will give you regular tutorials, email contact, progress reviews and coursework deadlines to ensure that you are as happy and organised as you would like to be. Also, by using your calendar you are able to schedule tutorials with your tutor.
Page 10 explains who is involved in your course, giving you a list of how they can support you and what you can do to get in contact with them as well as what their responsibilities are.
Speaking about responsibilities, there is a list on page 11 with key responsibilities for you while completing your course. It is so important to maintain contact with your tutor and if you have ANY questions or if you are stuck with coursework, to make sure you ask for help along with support from your tutor and The TA College HQ.
Starting on page 15 The TA College Handbook have dedicated a whole section to meeting the assessment criteria, because of the extreme importance of it. This part explains what your criteria is and how it can be met by depending on which tasks you are completing.
Writing and research tips are given in the Handbook which can help you when completing a piece of work. The Handbook also explains elements of your course that can involve gathering evidence and reflection.
The observation part of your course is when your chosen placement (whether you are full-time, part-time or volunteering) is visited by a tutor for an observed assessment, with all the content needed in the handbook, we at the TA College make it our number 1 priority for all our students to feel assured and confident whilst completing their course with us.
Getting Started with Ecordia
You may have used this system before, but if not Ecordia is an online eportfolio system that you will use when completing your course, you will use Ecordia to view your eLearning, submit your evidence, work and to track your progress on the course.
Starting on page 28, the Handbook states clearly on the content page and breaks down each section of Ecordia to ensure that our students understand the system perfectly for them to use it for their course;
● Uploading Additional Evidence
● Uploading Additional Evidence
The resource part of the Handbook contains all the weekly and daily timetables, logbooks and note pages that you will need during the duration of your course. Providing a student calendar so you can note down important dates for placement or tutorials regarding a certain unit. On pages 51 – 56 you can document progress reviews throughout your course, (which is when review what you have learned from the course already,) what the next step in your development is and 3 main targets that you want to achieve.
Study time is the most important element, finding the time to complete a course and have other commitments can be a struggle, but with the study timetable on page 59 you can insert when you are ‘picking the kids up from school’ and ‘coursework time’ as 2 examples. A logbook is provided on pages 60 – 65 reviewing your actions throughout a day at placement.
The last few pages are dedicated to TA Connect, which is a personalised professional development portal; a hub where you can track your performance while embracing new ideas in a TA friendly environment. TA Connect is a great and free source to use for the duration of your course. For any questions you might have regarding your course, Ecordia or TA Connect etc. it can be all answered in the back of the Handbook. But if you have any more that aren’t answered in the Handbook, we have provided the TA College HQ phone number and email address for you to contact us with any enquiry that you may have.
The new Handbook is a great introduction to your course, to help you as a student to get to know the TA College and what we represent and make sure our high standards are met through unrivaled support. Our whole team want to make you feel as welcome as possible and inspire you so you in turn can inspire children and teachers alike with your amazing TA knowledge!
We are here to support, encourage and be your friend.