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

Direct instruction involves the teacher explicitly presenting new knowledge in clear, sequenced steps, modelling examples, checking understanding, and guiding practice before independent work.

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

PCK, a concept introduced by Lee Shulman, describes the unique blend of subject expertise and understanding of how to represent and teach that subject for different learners.

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

Answer

Effective modelling makes the teacher's thought process visible ('I do, we do, you do'), enabling pupils to observe expert practice before attempting it themselves.

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

Answer

Vygotsky's ZPD describes the space where teaching is most effective - tasks just beyond independent capability but achievable with a teacher's or peer's support.

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

Interleaving involves mixing different topics or types of problems during practice, which research shows improves long-term retention and ability to discriminate between concepts.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Pedagogy and Teaching Methods