PGCE Reflective Practice and CPD

Question 1

Who developed the influential model of the 'reflective practitioner'?

Accepted Answer

Donald Schön

Answer

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)?

Accepted Answer

Reflection-in-action occurs during the event, adjusting in real time; reflection-on-action occurs afterwards, reviewing what happened

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A four-stage cycle: concrete experience → reflective observation → abstract conceptualisation → active experimentation — applicable to learning from classroom experience

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Critical reflection analyses why things happened and considers alternative approaches; description only recounts what happened

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Using research evidence alongside professional experience to inform and improve teaching decisions

Answer

Evidence-informed practice means drawing on robust research (e.g., EEF guidance) alongside professional knowledge — neither blindly following research nor ignoring it.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Reflective Practice and CPD