PGCE Mentoring and School Experience

Question 1

What is the primary role of a school-based mentor during PGCE training?

Accepted Answer

To provide ongoing professional guidance, feedback and support to the trainee, facilitating their development against the Teachers' Standards

Answer

To complete all lesson observations and report directly to the university

Answer

To assess the trainee's academic assignments on behalf of the university

Answer

To take over the class whenever the trainee struggles

Question 2

What does the Teachers' Standard relating to 'professional development' require of trainees and qualified teachers?

Accepted Answer

That teachers take responsibility for improving their own teaching through reflection on practice and engagement with research and professional development

Answer

That teachers attend exactly 30 hours of CPD per year

Answer

That teachers complete a Master's degree within five years of qualifying

Answer

That teachers submit an annual self-appraisal to Ofsted

Question 3

What is a 'lesson observation' in PGCE training primarily used for?

Accepted Answer

To provide structured formative feedback that supports the trainee's professional development

Answer

To judge and grade the trainee for their final qualification pass

Answer

To gather evidence for the university's Ofsted inspection

Answer

To allow the mentor to identify which trainees should be removed from the programme

Question 4

What does 'reflective practice' mean in the context of PGCE training?

Accepted Answer

A systematic process of critically analysing one own teaching, identifying what worked and why, and planning improvements

Answer

Completing lesson plan templates and evaluation forms for the university portfolio

Answer

Reflecting positively on teaching to build confidence and resilience

Answer

Observing other teachers and writing summaries of their methods

Question 5

What is the purpose of weekly mentor meetings during a PGCE school placement?

Accepted Answer

To review the trainee progress, discuss challenges, set targets, and ensure the trainee has adequate support

Answer

To plan the following week timetable and room bookings

Answer

To complete the university attendance register

Answer

To observe the trainee teaching and give immediate verbal feedback during the lesson

Question 6

What is the 'Teachers' Standards' framework and what role does it play in PGCE assessment?

Accepted Answer

The national framework describing the professional knowledge, practice and conduct expected of all teachers in England, used to assess PGCE trainees

Answer

A set of minimum standards for school buildings and classroom resources

Answer

Standards published by Ofsted to measure school performance

Answer

A framework used only for performance management of experienced teachers, not PGCE trainees