PGCE Pedagogy and Teaching Methods

Question 1

What is 'direct instruction' as a teaching method?

Accepted Answer

A structured, teacher-led approach that explicitly teaches skills and knowledge in small steps with guided practice

Answer

An approach where pupils discover knowledge independently through enquiry

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A method using only digital resources and online platforms

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A whole-school approach to curriculum design

Question 2

What does 'pedagogical content knowledge' (PCK) mean?

Accepted Answer

The combination of subject knowledge and knowledge of how to teach that subject effectively

Answer

A teacher's knowledge of classroom management techniques

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Knowledge of how to use technology in the classroom

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Understanding of school policies and procedures

Question 3

How does 'modelling' support pupil learning in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

By the teacher demonstrating the thinking process step-by-step, making implicit reasoning explicit

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By using scale models and physical objects for all subjects

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By showing pupils videos of experts performing tasks

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By giving pupils a completed example to copy directly into their books

Question 4

What is the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) and how does it relate to teaching?

Accepted Answer

The gap between what a pupil can do independently and what they can achieve with guided support

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The physical area around a pupil's desk where the teacher should stand

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A measure of a pupil's IQ relative to their year group

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The time available for a lesson before pupils lose concentration

Question 5

What is 'interleaving' as a teaching and learning strategy?

Accepted Answer

Mixing the practice of different topics or problem types within a study session rather than blocking each topic separately

Answer

Alternating between group work and individual work within a lesson

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Using a range of different resources within one lesson

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Interleaving the timetable so pupils study different subjects on different days

Question 6

According to Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction, why is it important to review previous learning at the start of each lesson?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen memory of prior knowledge and identify gaps before introducing new content

Answer

To complete the register and settle the class

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To fulfil the school's lesson plan template requirements

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To give early finishers something to do while others arrive