# The IOE approach

**Source**: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/graduate/degree-types/teacher-training/ioe-approach
**Parent**: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/graduate/degree-types/teacher-training

At the UCL Institute of Education, we develop teachers who are phase and subject specialists, excelling in cutting-edge understanding and practice.

The tutors, the schools, the mentors and of course the students – all work very hard to make sure that they are absolutely ready and confident to step into that classroom.

Tessa Willy

IOE Lecturer in education

We are committed to supporting our student teachers to become deeply knowledgeable, creative, and fulfilled members of the teaching profession.

Our programme teams will support you with the skills you need from the moment you step into the classroom. However, we know that learning to teach is much more than that - we’ll also prepare you to build a fulfilling long-term career in education.

## **Subject and phase expertise**

We cover every phase of learning and more subjects than any other university. Many of your sessions will take place in subject-specialist cohort groups, led by experts who model innovative approaches to teaching and learning. You will experience the latest subject-specific methods firsthand and learn how to embed them confidently and critically into your practice.

## **A gradual approach**

Our courses have been carefully designed so that you have the time and space to gradually develop the expertise and passion needed to guide and inspire the children, young people and adults you teach.

Through this gradual introduction, you will learn to be creative, to critically engage with research, to experiment, take risks, reflect and develop your own approach.

## **Supported every step of the way**

By joining IOE, you become part of an inclusive and caring community of academics, teacher educators and student teachers.

Every student teacher is supported by a personal tutor who shares your passion for your subject(s) and phase.

Your tutor will visit you on placement and meet with you regularly throughout the year. You will also have a mentor to support you through each of your teaching placements.

## **Broaden your horizons**

We want to prepare you to build a fulfilling long-term career in education, wherever you choose to teach. We provide the opportunity for you to learn to teach within diverse placements. These prepare you to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and adult learners.

We also encourage you to study with breadth and depth through two Master’s level assignments that support you to engage critically in a wide range of ideas and insights from contexts beyond your own.

## **Learn to think differently**

We nurture the development of independent, free-thinking professionals, not beholden to any single pedagogy, approach or doctrine. On our courses, you will learn to engage critically with a wide range of research and learn to embed enquiry into your practice. This way you can make informed decisions throughout your teaching career.

[How to apply](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/graduate/degree-types/teacher-training/how-apply)

## How to apply

If you're considering applying for one of our PGCE teacher training courses, please read the following guidance carefully.