In this post, Damian McCourt, our Training Consultant, will explain everything you need to know about the QQI Train The Trainer assessments.
From how to do the Skills Demonstration, the Written Assignment to how to submit them and apply for an extension. He will also give some guidance in the unlikely event of failing an assessment.
Skills Demonstration
The Skills Demonstration is one of the most exciting parts of both the four-day course and the assessment process. While the idea can make some people nervous, really it’s the most exciting day of the course! The majority of our learners really enjoy the day, especially that they’re finally delivering a training session.
The Skills Demonstration counts for 40% of your final mark. All learners complete their demonstrations on the final day of the course, with each demonstration lasting between 10 - 12 minutes.
The topic doesn’t matter, just that your learners ( your fellow classmates!) have knowledge that they didn’t have before. You will be assessed on how effectively you get the information across, how well people learn, as well as how you interact with your learners.
You will also be assessed on your use of props in the demonstration of your skills. Your props can range from software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, flip charts or even physical props such as mannequins or products. In-depth knowledge of computers is not a prerequisite for attending this course.
Written Assignment: Reflective Learner Record and Essay Based Question
So you’ve attended the four-day training course and completed the demonstration of your skills. The next step is to complete and submit the written portion of the assessments. There are two written assessments which you must complete: an essay based question and a reflective learner record.
We know the prospect of these assessments can seem daunting for some learners who haven’t written academically before or haven’t in quite a while. But there’s no reason to panic. You have six weeks after the course ends to submit your assessments and our trainers are always on hand to answer any questions or provide guidance right up until your submission date. Our trainers also go through both assessment briefs in great detail at the beginning and end of your course, so you will leave feeling fully prepared & understanding what you need to do!
The first assessment is a 2,500-word essay that asks you to discuss what you’ve learned from the course, how well you really understand what you’ve learned and how you can apply this learning in the real world.
The second assessment is a shorter 1,500-word reflective learner record that asks you to reflect on how you feel about the training. What did completing this training mean to you and more importantly how this training is going to change your training going forward.
How Do I Submit My Assessments?
Once you have completed your written assessments and are ready to submit them, you can email them to admin@dcmlearning.ie in a PDF format. You will receive your cover sheet templates and instructions on how to submit your assessments well in advance of your submission date.
If you have used a word processor, such as Microsoft Word, you can save your assessments as a PDF by clicking ‘Save As’ and choosing PDF as the document type.
You will also need to submit a signed cover sheet for each of the assessments. This can be done by either scanning a copy of the signed cover sheet and email this along with your assessments or by taking a picture of the signed cover sheet on your phone and emailing this with your assessments.
How Do I Apply for an Extension?
If for whatever reason, you don’t manage to complete your assessments in the six weeks after you attend the course, you can apply for an extension of up to two weeks. To apply, simply email admin@dcmlearning.ie with your request and we will be in touch.
If you need a little bit more than two weeks, we may request a doctors’ note or a letter from your manager explaining the reason for the delay.
Damian’s advice? “ Don’t leave the assignments until week five or week six. The best thing you can do is start your assignments the weekend after you finish the course while the material is still fresh in your head!”
What Happens If I Fail…?
While it is very unusual for our learners at DCM Learning to fail their assessments, there are processes in place to help you to achieve your certification. In the unlikely event that you do fail, you are allowed to resubmit your assessments for a nominal fee.
At DCM Learning we want to do everything we can to help you to achieve your certification, from ensuring you know exactly what you need to do to complete your assessments to providing feedback.
We recommend that you start your assessments as early as possible. This allows you to have as much time as possible to work on your assessments, ensuring you have the best possible chance of passing. Our DCM Learning trainers are also available to provide feedback on what you’ve written throughout the assessment process and can you advise you on this.
Train the Trainer Reviews: Stories from Our Customers
Over the past 2 years, over 4,000 learners (4,063 to be exact) have come to DCM to learn more about training and get certified. Read (and watch) their reviews to see how our courses have helped them achieve their career goals.
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