PGCE Reflective Practice and CPD — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who developed the influential model of the 'reflective practitioner'?
- Donald Schön (Correct answer)
- John Dewey
- David Kolb
- Jerome Bruner
Correct answer: Donald Schön
Donald Schön (1983) introduced the concept of the reflective practitioner, distinguishing between 'reflection-in-action' (thinking while teaching) and 'reflection-on-action' (reviewing after teaching).
Question 2: What is the difference between 'reflection-in-action' and 'reflection-on-action' (Schön)?
- Reflection-in-action occurs during the event, adjusting in real time; reflection-on-action occurs afterwards, reviewing what happened (Correct answer)
- They are the same process occurring at different times of day
- Reflection-in-action is for experienced teachers only
- Reflection-on-action is only for written journals
Correct answer: Reflection-in-action occurs during the event, adjusting in real time; reflection-on-action occurs afterwards, reviewing what happened
Schön's distinction: reflection-in-action is the real-time thinking and adjusting during practice (thinking on your feet); reflection-on-action is the post-event analysis and learning.
Question 3: What is Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle and how does it apply to PGCE training?
- A four-stage cycle: concrete experience → reflective observation → abstract conceptualisation → active experimentation — applicable to learning from classroom experience (Correct answer)
- A three-stage model of lesson planning
- A framework for curriculum design only
- A theory exclusively about outdoor learning
Correct answer: A four-stage cycle: concrete experience → reflective observation → abstract conceptualisation → active experimentation — applicable to learning from classroom experience
Kolb's cycle describes how professionals learn from experience — having an experience, reflecting on it, developing theory, and testing new approaches. PGCE trainees cycle through this continuously.
Question 4: What is 'critical reflection' and how does it differ from description?
- Critical reflection analyses why things happened and considers alternative approaches; description only recounts what happened (Correct answer)
- They are the same process at different career stages
- Critical reflection is only required for Masters-level PGCE
- Description is more useful than critical reflection for trainees
Correct answer: Critical reflection analyses why things happened and considers alternative approaches; description only recounts what happened
Critical reflection goes beyond describing events to interrogate assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and identify specific improvements — description alone does not lead to professional growth.
Question 5: What is 'evidence-informed practice' in the context of PGCE and CPD?
- Using research evidence alongside professional experience to inform and improve teaching decisions (Correct answer)
- Relying solely on personal experience without reference to research
- Following instructions from senior staff without reflection
- Applying every research finding rigidly without contextual judgement
Correct answer: Using research evidence alongside professional experience to inform and improve teaching decisions
Evidence-informed practice means drawing on robust research (e.g., EEF guidance) alongside professional knowledge — neither blindly following research nor ignoring it.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'mentor observation' during PGCE training?
- To provide structured, developmental feedback that supports the trainee's progress against the Teachers' Standards (Correct answer)
- To assess the trainee for a final grade only
- To check compliance with school policies
- To replace the trainee teacher with the mentor
Correct answer: To provide structured, developmental feedback that supports the trainee's progress against the Teachers' Standards
Mentor observations are developmental — they generate specific, targeted feedback linked to the Teachers' Standards, helping trainees identify strengths and areas for growth.
PGCE Reflective Practice and CPD
Who developed the influential model of the 'reflective practitioner'?