Lesson Planning and Curriculum Flashcards
6 cards from real PGCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Lesson Planning and Curriculum flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a lesson's 'learning objective'?
Answer: To state what pupils will know, understand or be able to do by the end of the lesson
A learning objective defines the intended outcome for pupils, guiding the teacher instructional choices and forming the basis for assessment within the lesson.
In curriculum design, what does 'vertical alignment' refer to?
Answer: Ensuring knowledge and skills build coherently from one year group to the next
Vertical alignment means content and skills are sequenced coherently across year groups so later learning builds on prior knowledge in a structured progression.
Why is it important to include 'challenge' activities in lesson planning?
Answer: To stretch thinking and deepen understanding for all pupils, especially higher attainers
Challenge activities extend and deepen learning for pupils who have met the core objectives, promoting higher-order thinking and avoiding under-achievement among high attainers.
What is 'backward design' in curriculum and lesson design?
Answer: Starting with the end goal (assessment or outcome) and designing learning experiences to reach it
Backward design, associated with Wiggins and McTighe, starts by defining desired outcomes and assessments, then plans learning experiences that lead pupils to those outcomes.
Which of the following best describes 'spaced practice' as a curriculum planning strategy?
Answer: Distributing practice of a topic across multiple sessions over time to improve long-term retention
Spaced practice (spaced repetition) involves revisiting content at increasing intervals, which research shows significantly improves long-term retention compared to massed practice.
A PGCE trainee is planning a lesson for a mixed-ability Year 9 class. Which approach best meets all pupils needs?
Answer: Plan tasks at different levels of cognitive demand with scaffolding and challenge for all
Planning tasks across a range of cognitive demands with appropriate scaffolds ensures all pupils can access learning while being appropriately challenged.