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Thinking about a career in further education teaching? That’s fantastic! But before you jump into the world of teaching, there’s an important question you may be asking: “Which qualification should I pursue to get there?” Specifically, you’re likely trying to choose between the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT).
While these two qualifications sound similar, there are some key differences that can impact your career path in education. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Important Note: As of September 2024, the DET has been replaced by the Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills), known as the DIT. So if you’re planning on pursuing this qualification, you may want to consider the DIT as it is more aligned with the current trends in teaching and education.
Let’s dive into the differences and help you figure out which one fits your teaching ambitions best!
1. The Core Focus: Broad Teaching vs. Specialised Teaching
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
The DET is a generalist qualification designed for people who want to become educators in further education settings like adult education, vocational training, and community education. It covers the essentials of teaching, focusing on the theory and practice of education, and is suited for those who want a well-rounded foundation in teaching without getting too specific.
- Main Focus: Teaching, training, and learning strategies in further education
- Ideal For: Adult education centres, colleges, and vocational training providers
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT)
On the other hand, the DIT is more specialised and focuses on modern, evolving demands in the education sector, such as digital teaching and blended learning. This qualification incorporates current trends and equips you with advanced teaching strategies that meet employers’ needs.
- Main Focus: Specialist skills like digital pedagogy, classroom management, and subject-specific teaching
- Ideal For: Those wanting to stay ahead in teaching, with a particular focus on modern technology and diverse learning environments (e.g., remote or blended learning)
2. The Units: What You’ll Learn
One of the biggest distinctions between these two qualifications is the unit structure. Each qualification has its own set of learning objectives, which means they cover different teaching methods and skills.
DET Units:
- Teaching, learning, and assessment strategies
- Supporting learners in various settings
- Planning and delivering lessons
- Evaluating and improving teaching practices
The DET covers general teaching competencies and is a good foundation if you are looking for a broad understanding of teaching principles.
DIT Units:
- Learners and Learning
- Teaching My Subject
- Digital Pedagogies
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Action Research
- Managing Behaviour
- Professional Practice
The DIT, on the other hand, goes beyond just teaching skills. It covers modern classroom management, mentoring skills, and action-based research into teaching practices. More emphasis is placed on technology, so you’ll be ready to face the online and digital education landscape head-on.
3. Practical Training: How Much Experience Do You Need?
Both qualifications have practical components, but the DIT takes the hands-on experience to a whole new level.
DET Practical Requirements:
- 100 hours of teaching practice (minimum)
Focus on theoretical classroom management and teaching techniques
DIT Practical Requirements:
- 250 hours of teaching practice (with at least 150 hours in hands-on teaching)
- 10 observations of your teaching (45 minutes each)
- A strong emphasis on reflective practice and real-world application of your skills
The DIT requires you to be out in the field much more, which means more direct interaction with learners. If you’re the type of person who prefers learning by doing, the DIT might be the better option for you.
4. Assessments: How You’ll Prove Your Skills
DET Assessments:
- Fewer assignments
- Portfolio of evidence
- Written assessments covering course material
- Focus on theoretical knowledge
DIT Assessments:
- Multiple assignments
- A reflective portfolio including lesson plans, student assessments, and development logs
- Final professional discussion or presentation demonstrating teaching experience
- Continuous assessment based on teaching practice, observations, and reflections
The DIT requires more continuous assessment, which includes reflective logs, lesson plans, and student assessments. This ensures that your skills are regularly reviewed, and you’re held accountable for your growth as a teacher.
5. Entry Requirements: What You Need to Start
You might be wondering what qualifications you need to get started with the DET or the DIT. Both have slightly different entry requirements, so let’s break them down.
DET Entry Requirements:
- Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy (English and Maths)
- No subject-specific qualifications required
- Some general qualifications (e.g. GCSEs or equivalent)
DIT Entry Requirements:
- Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy (Maths and English)
- A subject-specific qualification at Level 3 or higher
- GCSEs or equivalent in English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above
- Removed “minimum core” component, focusing more on subject-specific knowledge
The DIT has slightly stricter entry requirements, but that’s because it’s designed to equip you with more advanced teaching strategies.
6. Digital Pedagogy: The Future of Teaching
DET Focus:
While the DET includes digital aspects, it is not heavily focused on technology in education. This qualification may be better for traditional classroom settings, where digital is not as central to learning.
DIT Focus:
The DIT places digital pedagogy at its core, preparing you for the increasing integration of technology in education. This qualification ensures you’re equipped to teach in a blended or online learning environment, making you more adaptable to modern educational settings.
This is a key consideration if you’re interested in the future of teaching, where digital and online learning play an ever-increasing role.
7. Career Progression and Teaching Pathways
Both qualifications offer opportunities to teach in further education, but the DIT provides additional pathways for career advancement.
DET Career Path:
- You can teach in further education colleges, adult education, and vocational training centres.
- It is often a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications, such as the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (CET).
DIT Career Path:
- The DIT provides the opportunity to achieve QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status, which is equivalent to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). This opens doors to more advanced positions, such as:
- Head of Department
- Leadership roles
- Corporate training positions
By obtaining QTLS through the DIT, you have a competitive advantage if you’re looking to progress into leadership roles or corporate training.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Path
So, which qualification should you pursue? It depends on where you want to take your teaching career!
- DET is perfect if you’re looking for a broad foundation in teaching, with a focus on adult education and vocational training.
- DIT is ideal if you’re looking for a more specialised qualification that focuses on digital pedagogy, modern classroom management, and career progression in education.
At The Teachers Training, we offer detailed courses designed to help you choose the right qualification based on your career goals. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the next step in your career, our expert guidance will support your journey toward becoming a further education teacher.
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