Phase 1 : Course design and content were deemed satisfactory. Tutor training was ok but should not be termed as training as this term leads to expectations of training.
Course Venues : Demand for minimum standards ie. some venues did not have internet, sound cards, CDRoms etc. Jerome (Director NCTE) saw it as function of Teacher Centres plus new advisors to see to this.
Data Projectors : Too expensive to supply all venues however there is a possibility of one projector at each Teacher Centre.
Software : It was felt that not enough software was available. Request for Broderbund software was made. Issue of teachers using their own software and hence unlicensed was raised. Jerome said Michael Hallisey had just joined the team and that he was in process of negotiating licences etc.
Phase Two : Major reservations were expressed by some about the suitability of phase 2 and it was felt that a phase 1.5 was needed. Jerome will review the whole situation.
Pay and conditions : People should now be aware that tax etc. is being deducted at source unlike the summer courses where tutors made their own arrangements re paying tax. People still want £20 into the hand after tax. Jerome felt that here was no hope of getting £40 per hour - the rates are tied in with all sorts of other areas. John Carr (INTO) will negotiate with the Dept. and be as creative as possible in trying to secure a better rate. ie preperation time allowed etc.
Tutor/Pupil Ratio : Tutor pupil ratio was felt to be too high. A ratio of 10:1 was deemed more appropriate.
National Meeting of all NCTE Tutors : There will be a national meeting of all tutors called by NCTE on saturday December 12t. Details in the post from NCTE.
of Dec.
