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 The course is suitable for all abilities: both apprentice and experienced teachers and also for those who have just completed their Permaculture Design course (PDC). During the course we will be focusing on the tools and techniques for teaching and facilitating permaculture learning and the practicalities of convening and running courses. We won't be revisiting the topics on a PDC in any depth and so it is recommended that if your permaculture knowledge is a bit rusty  that you do some preparatory background reading before the course. The ToT will concentrate on permaculture training but the techniques covered can be applied to any other subject and hence the course would be valuable for any teacher wanting to expand their creative teaching techniques.
The course will be lively and interactive on all levels using plenty of diversity in teaching styles. We intend to use the course as a working example of how much can be achieved in a 5 day course using accelerated learning techniques. We will be looking at the whole process of running a course – from finding a venue and course publicity to evaluation and follow up.
 We aim to empower people to realise their own skills as facilitators and will be using methods for building confidence of the participants throughout. This will culminate in each participant giving a microteach to put into practice what they have learnt. Our aim is to support participants on their teaching career beyond the ToT. There will be opportunities for apprentice teaching with the Designed Visions team on PDCs, and we would be willing to come and teach on introductory and full permaculture courses that participants convene in their local area.
Sessions will include:
Setting training objectives ~ Training design ~ Preparing training sessions
Teaching methods ~ Training tools ~ Training needs assessment ~ Games and energisers
Facilitation skills ~ Micro-session preparation and delivery ~ Presentation skills
Rapport building ~ Convening courses ~ Course design
Learning methods ~ Assessment and evaluation ~ Follow up
This course takes place in 3 phases:
 1. Course and Session Design
Participants will learn how to:
- Plan course programmes (e.g. an annual teaching programme, daily schedules) in harmony with the rhythms and cycles of nature, to optimise quality teaching and learning.
- Produce lesson plans, which include the necessary components of: learning objectives, content, method, and evaluation process.
- Design and deliver effective presentations, of various lengths, to different target audiences, including fast-track conveying of permaculture basics.
- Set up the space (environment and topic ‘warm-in’) for powerful and effective learning / teaching.
- Design sessions appropriate for different sized groups (e.g. 10, 100), and use effective group-work skills.
 2. Creative Teaching Tools and Techniques
Participants will learn how to:
- Gain the confidence and competence to facilitate and teach permaculture.
- Use many creative teaching and learning techniques.
- Use a variety of teaching strategies that promote student-centred learning.
- Teach with consideration for ‘multiple intelligences’ and ‘learning styles’ (visual, kinesthetic, auditory).
- Apply participation, motivation and inclusion methods.
- Use techniques designed to assist students in retaining learning.
- Develop strategies for coping with students with different learning styles, levels and diverse needs.
- Identify stages in a group’s development and teach / facilitate appropriately.
- Apply different strategies suitable for teaching in a variety of environments.
 3. Course Logistics
Participants will learn how to:
- Be a part of an effective permaculture design course team (lead tutor, support person, convener).
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Set up, finance and market a standard permaculture design course, as well as specific ‘target group’ workshops and presentations.
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Budget for courses, set fees and form contracts.
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Issue certificates and diplomas.
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Participate in a national and international learning community of permaculture educators.
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Work with the WEA (Worker’s Educational Association) who are able to provide financial assistance with courses.
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