vcc.ca
Provincial Instructor Diploma Program
Program Content Guide
Effective date
Purpose
The BC Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP) provides both new and experienced instructors with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to instruct adults. Course activities and assignments are intended to provide the skills needed to be an effective, competent instructor.
VCC manages the BC Provincial Instructor Diploma Program on behalf of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The PIDP is recognized by public and private colleges and institutes.
Admission Requirements
English language proficiency at an English 12 level, or equivalent
- Evidence of subject matter expertise as demonstrated by a diploma, bachelor's degree, trades certification, substantial workplace experience, or departmental approval
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses in the program, except:
- PIDP 3270 Capstone Project
- PIDP 3401 PID Independent Studies
Applying for PLAR:
- Identify courses for which PLAR may be requested.
- Submit the following to the department:
- Actual curriculum products/artifacts created and used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents and course assignments.
- An essay in which the applicant describes the development of their thinking related to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course.
- A successful interview with the department.
Students may apply for a maximum of 15 program credits through PLAR. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.
To request PLAR, please contact the department directly.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
Students may also request transfer credit in accordance with VCC's Transfer Credit policy. Students are responsible for initiating the transfer credit process by completing a transfer credit request form available from the Registrar's Office. To request transfer credit for course work successfully completed outside the BC transfer system, students will be required to provide detailed course outlines from the year/semester in which the courses were completed, and will need to arrange for official transcripts to be sent from the issuing institution to the Registrar's Office at VCC. For more information on transfer credit processes and requirements, please email transfercredit@vcc.ca.
Program Duration & Maximum Time for Completion
30 credits (450 hours)
Completion time will vary depending on individual circumstances. The program is designed for working professionals. It is designed to allow for flexibility, and may be completed at an accelerated pace. The minimum completion time is ten months. The program must be completed within 5 years. Provided the program is completed within 5 years, there are no restrictions on the number of courses per year which must be taken or on the length of any gaps between course registrations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Design, deliver and evaluate adult learning and teaching on a continuum of instructional approaches.
- Create positive and engaging learning environments that promote respect for the diversity of learners.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively in the workplace and in the community.
- Act in an ethical and professional manner when working in an adult education setting.
- Integrate critical reflection strategies to stay current in education and bring about change in one’s own practice.
Instructional Strategies, Design and Delivery Mode
A wide variety of instructional strategies is used in the program. Instructional strategies may include interactive lecture, presentations, assignments, guest speakers, discussions, group work, field trips, and case studies.
Courses may be offered in online, face-to-face, and blended formats.
Evaluation of Student Learning
The PIDP consists of eight core courses (23 credits) and electives (7 credits) to total 30 credits.
Evaluation of student learning is based on completion of course assignments. Due dates and criteria for successful completion of each course assignment will be outlined by the instructor at the beginning of each course. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 'C' in each course with letter grades, or S in each course with successful/unsuccessful grades to be awarded the PIDP.
To achieve the Provincial Instructor Diploma, students must successfully complete 23 credits from eight core courses and seven (7) credits from elective courses for a total of 30 credits.
Recommended Characteristics of Students
The PIDP is appropriate from those with no teaching experience to those with substantial teaching experience but little training in instructional skills. Students should have:
-a willingness to participate in a wide variety of instructional strategies, both face-to-face and online
-basic computer skills
-the ability to work independently and with others
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (23 credits) | ||
| PIDP 3100 | Foundations of Adult Education | 3 |
| PIDP 3210 | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| PIDP 3220 | Delivery of Instruction | 2 |
| or PIDP 3320 | Facilitating Learning Online Fundamentals | |
| PIDP 3230 | Evaluation of Learning | 3 |
| PIDP 3240 | Media Enhanced Learning | 3 |
| PIDP 3250 | Instructional Strategies | 3 |
| PIDP 3260 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| PIDP 3270 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Electives (7 credits) | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives (7 credits) | ||
| PIDP 3300 | Teaching Adults with the Brain in Mind | 2 |
| PIDP 3310 | Intercultural Competence | 1 |
| PIDP 3320 | Facilitating Learning Online Fundamentals | 2 |
| or PIDP 3220 | Delivery of Instruction | |
| PIDP 3330 | Facilitating Learning Online Design | 2 |
| PIDP 3340 | Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom | 2 |
| PIDP 3350 | Supporting Multilingual Learners | 2 |
| PIDP 3351 | Feedback Strategies | 2 |
| PIDP 3360 | Challenges and Trends in Online Learning | 1 |
| PIDP 3370 | Inclusive Online Instruction: Theory to Practice | 2 |
| PIDP 3401 | PID Independent Studies * | 1 |
| EDUC 4250 | Foundations of Online Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 4251 | Developing and Designing Online Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 4252 | Facilitation of Online Learning | 3 |
| TRAI 3001 | Trades Training Fundamentals | 1 |
| TRAI 3002 | Trades Specific Facilitating Learning | 2 |
| TRAI 3003 | Trades Specific Assessment and Evaluation | 2 |
| TRAI 3004 | Trades Specific Student Engagement Techniques | 2 |
| Elective in a College level course in an area related to instructional competence** | 3 | |
* PIDP 3401 PID Independent Studies is repeatable for credit up to 3 credits.
** Please note: Courses can be taken for elective credit up to a maximum of 3 credits. Courses must be at a third-year post-secondary level or higher. Courses taken for elective credit must be approved by the School of Instructor Education.
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
Transcript of Achievement
The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of each course. The transcript typically shows a letter grade or S/U (successful/unsuccessful) for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:
Grading Standard
Grading Standard
| Grade | Percentage | Description | Grade Point Equivalency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 96-100 | 4.33 | |
| A | 91-95 | 4.00 | |
| A- | 86-90 | 3.67 | |
| B+ | 81-85 | 3.33 | |
| B | 76-80 | 3.00 | |
| B- | 71-75 | 2.67 | |
| C+ | 66-70 | 2.33 | |
| C | 61-65 | Progression Grade | 2.00 |
| C- | 56-60 | 1.67 | |
| D | 50-55 | 1.00 | |
| F | 0-49 | Failing Grade | 0.00 |
| S | 61 or greater | Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards | N/A |
| U | Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards | N/A | |
| I | Incomplete | N/A | |
| IP | Course in Progress | N/A | |
| W | Withdrawal | N/A | |
| Course Standings | |||
| R | Audit. No Credits | N/A | |
| EX | Exempt. Credit Granted | N/A | |
| TC | Transfer Credit | N/A |
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.
The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.
Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
Notes:
- Program contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.