Do you dream of becoming a teacher but lack a professional teaching qualification?
If your answer is “yes”, then the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) offered at Open University Malaysia (OUM) is the solution to your problem.
This 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 regularly taught at teacher training institutes.
Benefits of the PGDT programme for aspiring teachers
Science tutor Hemalata Shuvas Bahadur, 27, is a perfect example of how the PGDT programme can benefit a teaching career. Obtaining this latest qualification along with other specified requirements has made Hemalata a fully certified teacher.
She explains, “To be a certified teacher, I need the fundamental academic qualification. I grabbed the opportunity to get this qualification at OUM in September last year when one of the schools I worked at offered to sponsor my study in the programme. Pursuing the PGDT has definitely been beneficial to me.”
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.
Flexible online learning approach
Programme director Dr Rosinah Mahmood explains, “It is now compulsory for teachers in all types of schools to obtain the minimum of an accredited certificate in postgraduate diploma in teaching. Upon successful completion of 30 credit hours of the PGDT and other specified requirements, graduates can be registered as teachers and granted teaching permits.”
With OUM’s flexible online learning approach and lecturers who are experienced and well versed in using online tools and applications, the University has also begun offering the programme internationally.
“Despite the challenges, my learning experience was amazing and really meaningful. What I liked most about my study is the comfort and hospitality that OUM provides. I had step-by-step assistance, not to mention great tutors,” Hemalata shares.
She is now teaching independently in Gopeng, Perak and promotes her tutoring services on social media under the name MHHTS, which stands for Miss Hema’s Home Tuition Service.
A unique programme that caters to working adults
With courses taught by qualified educators coupled with a unique structure that caters to adult learners, this is a chance for would-be teachers to enhance their digital literacy and competencies that will eventually be converted into something useful to their teaching profession.
“The programme has broadened my knowledge, specifically on teaching skills and approaches. A plus point is that I could study while working simultaneously. I received great help from lecturers via face-to-face and online sessions. Of course, the staff were very helpful from the first day of orientation. I cannot be grateful enough,” Hemalata adds.
At the end of the programme, PGDT learners like Hemalata undergo a supervised practicum in selected schools or institutions of learning. The practicum emphasises application of theories in actual teaching and learning environments so they can hone practical teaching and classroom management skills.
By equipping them with a quality and recognised teaching qualification, the PGDT will certainly give aspiring teachers a professional boost as they enter the education industry.
For more information on PGDT and other programmes at OUM, call 03-7801 2000 or WhatsApp 012-303 9935 / 019-357 9074 / 012-372 7480, email admission@oum.edu.my or visit www.oum.edu.my.