PGCE Subject Pedagogy

Question 1

What is 'pedagogical content knowledge' (PCK) and who developed this concept?

Accepted Answer

Lee Shulman — the intersection of subject knowledge and knowledge of how to teach that subject to a specific group of learners

Answer

Jerome Bruner — knowledge of the spiral curriculum

Answer

Dylan Wiliam — assessment knowledge integrated with subject knowledge

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John Hattie — visible learning linked to content knowledge

Question 2

What is the difference between 'content knowledge' and 'pedagogical content knowledge'?

Accepted Answer

Content knowledge is knowing the subject; PCK is knowing how to represent and teach it effectively to specific learners

Answer

They are the same

Answer

Content knowledge is more important than PCK

Answer

PCK only applies to secondary subject specialists

Question 3

What are 'worked examples' and why are they particularly effective in subject teaching?

Accepted Answer

Fully solved problems that show the steps of a process — they reduce cognitive load and help novice learners build schema before attempting independent practice

Answer

Homework tasks that pupils complete without support

Answer

Examples only used for SEND pupils

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Examples of misconceptions to avoid

Question 4

What is the 'I do, we do, you do' model of instruction?

Accepted Answer

A gradual release of responsibility: teacher models (I do), class practises with support (we do), pupils work independently (you do)

Answer

A peer teaching model

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A behaviour management technique

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A three-phase assessment model

Question 5

What is a 'common misconception' in subject teaching and how should teachers address it?

Accepted Answer

A predictable error in understanding that recurs across learners — teachers should anticipate, name, and directly address it rather than hoping it will not arise

Answer

A behaviour issue during subject lessons

Answer

A rare, unpredictable error

Answer

An error made only by low-attaining pupils

Question 6

What is 'subject-specific literacy' and why does it matter for all teachers?

Accepted Answer

The language, text types, and reading demands unique to each subject — all teachers are responsible for teaching pupils to access their subject's language

Answer

Only the English teacher's responsibility

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A concern only for lower-attaining readers

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Relevant only for written assessments