PGCE Lesson Planning and Curriculum 2

Question 1

A trainee teacher is told by their mentor that their lessons lack 'pace.' What does this most likely mean in the context of lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

The timing and transitions between activities need improvement to maintain engagement and momentum

Answer

Lesson pace refers to the flow and momentum of learning. Good pace means activities are well-timed, transitions are smooth, and there is an appropriate balance between teacher input and pupil activity to maintain engagement throughout.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction in the context of lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

A set of 10 research-based principles including daily review, small steps, guided practice, and regular checking for understanding

Answer

Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction are 10 evidence-based principles derived from cognitive science and classroom research. They include daily review, presenting new material in small steps, asking questions, providing models, and guided practice.

Question 3

When planning cross-curricular links in a Year 8 geography lesson about climate change, which Teachers' Standard is most directly being addressed?

Accepted Answer

Standard 3 — Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge, including making connections across subjects

Answer

Teachers' Standard 3 specifically requires teachers to demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge and to make connections between subjects. Cross-curricular planning directly addresses this standard.

Question 4

A PGCE trainee is planning a lesson but is unsure how much time to allocate to teacher talk versus pupil activity. What does evidence-based practice suggest?

Accepted Answer

Teacher explanation should be concise and focused, with the majority of lesson time devoted to purposeful pupil activity and practice

Answer

Research supports focused, concise teacher instruction followed by extensive guided and independent practice. This aligns with Rosenshine's principles and cognitive load theory — pupils need sufficient time to process, practise, and consolidate learning.

Question 5

What is the key difference between a scheme of work and an individual lesson plan?

Accepted Answer

A scheme of work outlines the sequence and progression of learning across a series of lessons, while a lesson plan details the specific activities, timings, and resources for a single lesson

Answer

A scheme of work provides the medium-term overview showing how learning progresses across multiple lessons within a unit or half-term. Individual lesson plans sit within this broader framework and detail the specifics of each lesson.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Lesson Planning and Curriculum 2