Pedagogy and Teaching Methods 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 Pedagogy and Teaching Methods flashcards as text
What is 'direct instruction' as a teaching method?
Answer: A structured, teacher-led approach that explicitly teaches skills and knowledge in small steps with guided practice
Direct instruction involves the teacher explicitly presenting new knowledge in clear, sequenced steps, modelling examples, checking understanding, and guiding practice before independent work.
What does 'pedagogical content knowledge' (PCK) mean?
Answer: The combination of subject knowledge and knowledge of how to teach that subject effectively
PCK, a concept introduced by Lee Shulman, describes the unique blend of subject expertise and understanding of how to represent and teach that subject for different learners.
How does 'modelling' support pupil learning in the classroom?
Answer: By the teacher demonstrating the thinking process step-by-step, making implicit reasoning explicit
Effective modelling makes the teacher's thought process visible ('I do, we do, you do'), enabling pupils to observe expert practice before attempting it themselves.
What is the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) and how does it relate to teaching?
Answer: The gap between what a pupil can do independently and what they can achieve with guided support
Vygotsky's ZPD describes the space where teaching is most effective - tasks just beyond independent capability but achievable with a teacher's or peer's support.
What is 'interleaving' as a teaching and learning strategy?
Answer: Mixing the practice of different topics or problem types within a study session rather than blocking each topic separately
Interleaving involves mixing different topics or types of problems during practice, which research shows improves long-term retention and ability to discriminate between concepts.
According to Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction, why is it important to review previous learning at the start of each lesson?
Answer: To strengthen memory of prior knowledge and identify gaps before introducing new content
Rosenshine identifies beginning lessons with a brief review of previous learning as one of his ten evidence-based principles, helping consolidate memory and build connections to new content.