PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work 2

Question 1

What does 'cognitive load theory' (Sweller) suggest for lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

Lessons should be designed to avoid overloading working memory, breaking new content into manageable chunks

Answer

Cognitive load theory shows that working memory has limited capacity — lessons should chunk new information, use worked examples, and reduce extraneous load to prevent overwhelm.

Question 2

What is 'spaced practice' and how should it inform medium-term planning?

Accepted Answer

Distributing practice of content across time rather than massing it — schemes of work should build in revisiting of prior content

Answer

Spaced practice (distributed practice) is a well-evidenced memory strategy — revisiting content at spaced intervals improves long-term retention compared to massed practice.

Question 3

What is the role of 'success criteria' in lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

They define what quality work looks like at different levels, giving pupils clear targets to aim for

Answer

Success criteria describe the evidence of achievement at different levels, helping pupils understand what they need to produce and enabling self-assessment and teacher feedback.

Question 4

What does 'interleaving' involve and how does it apply to scheme of work planning?

Accepted Answer

Mixing different topics or skills within practice sessions, rather than teaching one topic to completion before starting another

Answer

Interleaving mixes practice across different topics — research shows it improves long-term learning and transfer compared to blocking (finishing one topic before starting another).

Question 5

Why is 'formative assessment' embedded within lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

To allow teachers to identify misconceptions and adjust teaching in real time before pupils move on

Answer

Formative assessment embedded in lessons — through questioning, exit tickets, whiteboards — gives immediate feedback to both teacher and pupils, allowing responsive teaching.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work 2