PGCE Subject Pedagogy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'retrieval practice' and why should subject teachers build it into their lessons?
- Actively recalling information from memory — it strengthens long-term retention and is one of the most well-evidenced learning strategies (Correct answer)
- Reading notes before a test
- Copying out key information
- A one-off revision session before exams
Correct answer: Actively recalling information from memory — it strengthens long-term retention and is one of the most well-evidenced learning strategies
Retrieval practice (the 'testing effect') involves recalling information from memory rather than reviewing it — this strengthens memory traces and improves long-term retention significantly.
Question 2: What does 'subject-specific talk' involve and why is it important?
- Using and requiring pupils to use accurate subject vocabulary in oral work, developing both subject knowledge and academic language (Correct answer)
- Only written use of subject vocabulary
- Restricting discussion to avoid misconceptions
- Talking about the subject's history rather than its content
Correct answer: Using and requiring pupils to use accurate subject vocabulary in oral work, developing both subject knowledge and academic language
Subject-specific talk develops both conceptual understanding and academic language — requiring pupils to use correct terminology in discussion embeds vocabulary and deepens comprehension.
Question 3: What is 'modelling' in subject teaching?
- The teacher demonstrating the thought processes, skills, or steps involved in a task, making expert thinking visible to pupils (Correct answer)
- Creating a scale model for display
- Showing pupils an example of finished work only
- A management technique for challenging behaviour
Correct answer: The teacher demonstrating the thought processes, skills, or steps involved in a task, making expert thinking visible to pupils
Modelling makes expert thinking visible — the teacher 'thinks aloud' while performing a task, exposing the cognitive steps that novice learners need to see and internalise.
Question 4: What is 'deliberate practice' and how does it apply to skill development in subjects?
- Highly focused practice of specific sub-skills at the edge of competence, with immediate feedback — more effective than general practice (Correct answer)
- Practising anything for a long time
- Repeating the same task without variation
- Practice sessions with no teacher input
Correct answer: Highly focused practice of specific sub-skills at the edge of competence, with immediate feedback — more effective than general practice
Deliberate practice (Ericsson) involves working at the edge of current ability on specific weaknesses, with focused feedback — it is purposeful rather than merely repetitive.
Question 5: What is the purpose of 'subject knowledge audits' for PGCE trainees?
- To identify gaps in the trainee's subject knowledge that need addressing to teach effectively (Correct answer)
- To assess trainees for QTS award only
- To rank trainees against each other
- To assess pupils' knowledge of the subject
Correct answer: To identify gaps in the trainee's subject knowledge that need addressing to teach effectively
Subject knowledge audits help trainees identify areas of weakness in their own subject knowledge — they can then prioritise CPD to strengthen subject understanding and pedagogical content knowledge.
Question 6: What is 'assessment literacy' for a subject teacher?
- Understanding how to design valid, reliable assessments that align with learning objectives and interpret results accurately (Correct answer)
- Only knowing how to mark standardised tests
- A requirement only for lead teachers
- Knowledge of exam specifications only
Correct answer: Understanding how to design valid, reliable assessments that align with learning objectives and interpret results accurately
Assessment literacy involves understanding the principles of good assessment design — validity (does it assess what it intends to?) and reliability (are results consistent?) — and using assessment data effectively.
PGCE Subject Pedagogy 2
What is 'retrieval practice' and why should subject teachers build it into their lessons?