PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work

Question 1

What is a 'scheme of work' (SoW) in the context of teacher planning?

Accepted Answer

A medium-term plan that sequences lessons across a unit, mapping content, skills, and assessment across several weeks

Answer

A single lesson plan

Answer

A list of resources for one topic

Answer

A termly timetable of subjects

Question 2

What is the difference between a learning objective and a learning outcome?

Accepted Answer

A learning objective states what the lesson aims to teach; a learning outcome describes what pupils should be able to do by the end

Answer

They are identical planning terms

Answer

Objectives are for teachers; outcomes are only for pupils with SEND

Answer

Outcomes are only used in higher education

Question 3

What does 'backward design' (Wiggins and McTighe) involve in lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

Starting with the desired learning outcomes and designing backwards to determine evidence and then activities

Answer

Planning activities first and then deciding what will be learned

Answer

Only using planning approaches from the past

Answer

Designing assessments after teaching has taken place

Question 4

Why is it important to include differentiation in lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

To ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, or high ability, can access and make progress in the lesson

Answer

To reduce teacher workload

Answer

To satisfy Ofsted requirements only

Answer

To create separate lessons for different ability groups

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'starter activity' or 'hook' at the beginning of a lesson?

Accepted Answer

To engage pupils' interest, activate prior knowledge, and prepare their thinking for new learning

Answer

To fill time while the register is taken

Answer

To deliver the main content of the lesson

Answer

To assess pupils' final attainment

Question 6

What is 'plenery' (plenary) and what is its purpose in lesson structure?

Accepted Answer

A session at the end of a lesson that consolidates learning, allows assessment, and prepares pupils for next steps

Answer

A type of starter activity

Answer

A homework-setting session

Answer

A disciplinary procedure