If your answer is “Yes”, then the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) is the solution to your problem. It is a shorter alternative route to equip you with the necessary educational training that will save you from going through a formal four-year programme at teacher training institutes.
This professional teaching qualification programme is designed to provide aspiring teachers with the opportunity to develop knowledge, competencies and professionalism in teaching that meet the demands of 21st century learners.
The programme incorporates such topics as Curriculum Development, Theories and Practices of Teaching and Learning, Guidance and Counselling, Educational Management, Educational Assessment, Instructional Technologies, as well as Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning.
“It is now compulsory for all teachers in all types of schools to obtain at least a minimum – an accredited certificate in postgraduate diploma in teaching. On successful completion of 30 credit hours of the PGDT and other specified requirements, there is an opportunity for graduates to be registered as teachers and granted teaching permits upon application,” explains programme director Dr Rosinah Mahmood.
Dr Rosinah started working in the education sector in the late 1970s as a teacher before gradually climbing the career ladder to become a senior lecturer. With her extensive teaching experience working at primary and secondary schools as well as higher education institutions, Dr Rosinah is responsible for fieldwork involving the evaluation of the skills and achievements of new student teachers teaching in government, private, and international schools at all levels across the country.
With OUM’s flexible online learning delivery approach and lecturers who are experienced and well-versed in using online tools and applications, the University has also begun offering the programme internationally.
“As the champion of open and distance learning in Malaysia, OUM has put together a unique teaching programme structure which mainly targets adult learners. Learners will be able to enhance their digital literacy and competencies that will eventually be converted into something useful for their teaching profession in the near future,” Dr Rosinah shares.
Towards the end of their study, PGDT learners will undergo a supervised practicum in selected schools or institutions of learning. The practicum emphasises application of theories in actual teaching and learning environments to equip learners with practical teaching and classroom management skills.
Dr Rosinah adds, “PGDT learners are a diverse group from all over Malaysia. We also have many international learners. They are of different ages and backgrounds, ranging from fresh graduates from specialised disciplines who decide to go into teaching, to adults who are working to switch careers, and senior citizens who want to formalise their teaching certification for several reasons. It is also worth mentioning that some of our excellent graduates have been accepted to teach in several countries abroad.”
By equipping them with a quality, recognised professional teaching qualification, the programme will certainly give aspiring teachers a professional boost as they enter the education industry.
Learn more about PGDT here!
By Izyan Diyana Merzuki
