QTS Professional Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'evidence-informed practice' mean in the context of UK teaching?
- Using only randomised controlled trials
- Drawing on research evidence to inform professional judgements and teaching decisions (Correct answer)
- Ignoring classroom experience in favour of academic papers
- Following government directives without question
Correct answer: Drawing on research evidence to inform professional judgements and teaching decisions
Evidence-informed practice involves teachers using educational research alongside their professional experience and knowledge of their pupils to make effective teaching decisions.
Question 2: Which of the following is a key principle of metacognition as applied in UK classrooms?
- Pupils should only memorise facts
- Pupils should be taught to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning (Correct answer)
- Teachers should avoid explaining thinking processes
- Metacognition only applies to A-level students
Correct answer: Pupils should be taught to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning
Metacognition involves teaching pupils to be aware of and regulate their own learning processes through planning, monitoring, and evaluating, which the EEF identifies as highly effective.
Question 3: In the UK education system, what is the purpose of a 'knowledge organiser'?
- A timetable for staff meetings
- A concise document summarising the essential knowledge pupils need to learn for a topic (Correct answer)
- A list of behavioural expectations
- A form for reporting safeguarding concerns
Correct answer: A concise document summarising the essential knowledge pupils need to learn for a topic
Knowledge organisers are concise reference documents that set out the key facts, vocabulary, dates, and concepts that pupils need to know for a particular topic or unit of work.
Question 4: What is 'scaffolding' in a teaching context?
- Building physical structures in the classroom
- Providing temporary support that is gradually removed as pupils develop independence (Correct answer)
- Always providing maximum support regardless of pupil ability
- A method of classroom decoration
Correct answer: Providing temporary support that is gradually removed as pupils develop independence
Scaffolding involves providing structured support to help pupils access challenging content, then gradually withdrawing that support as they become more competent and independent.
Question 5: According to Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction, which practice is most effective for embedding knowledge?
- Cramming information before tests
- Daily and weekly review of previously learned material (Correct answer)
- Only teaching new content each lesson
- Allowing pupils to choose what they review
Correct answer: Daily and weekly review of previously learned material
Rosenshine emphasises the importance of regular review, including daily review at the start of lessons and weekly/monthly review, to strengthen memory and build automaticity.
Question 6: What is the 'Pupil Premium' in the English education system?
- A bonus paid to high-achieving pupils
- Additional government funding to help disadvantaged pupils achieve their potential (Correct answer)
- A private school scholarship programme
- Funding for school building maintenance
Correct answer: Additional government funding to help disadvantaged pupils achieve their potential
The Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools in England to improve the attainment and outcomes of disadvantaged pupils, including those eligible for free school meals.
QTS Professional Knowledge 2
What does 'evidence-informed practice' mean in the context of UK teaching?