PGCE teacher training: What do they want to hear to accept you on the course?

Question

What kind of things?

Answer 1

Going back to my own application and interview:

Application:

1)They want to see that you have the correct qualifications to teach your chosen subject

2) They want to see that you have relevant experience - e.g you might have done a few days observing in a school: this is the sort of thing they like. Other relevant experience might include helping with Girl Guides / Brownies, helping children in another country etc etc.

3) They want to see you are committed to education. Try not to write the usual old spiel though, you know, the whole 'I think education can save people, I want to do something like that which is really giving something to somebody' etc. It is ok to mention that, but also mention that you are inspired by a job where every day is different, where you are working with some of the most creative and spontaneous people in the country etc.

Interview:

You are likely to be asked to prepare a ten minute 'lesson' on something or other - don't worry, this is far easier than it sounds. If you are, make sure you include a CLEAR statement at the beginning of what the 'aim' of the lesson is, then a brief starting activity to get everyone warmed up, then the main exercise, then a summing up sesh at the end to ensure everyone has understood. This is the basic formula for a lesson. Try to make it engaging and interactive - they want to see that you can interest a class and that you can devise activities which are creative and fun!

You might also be asked some on-the-spot questions on your field of expertise - eg if you are an english grad, you might get asked what books you'd want to teach in the classroom. If you were a maths grad, you might get asked how you'd make algebra fun. Etc etc.

In the actual interview - you might get asked some of the following questions:

1) X is misbehaving in your class, what action might you take? (key answers - non-confrontational, take the individual to one side and have a quiet word rather than bawl out in front of entire class, give them options - never drive a kid into the corner, offer them a reasonable 'solution' etc etc.)

2) Why do you think your subject is important on the curriculum? (they are looking for passion in your subject area)

3) What future plans do you have for yourself? (they want to see ambition here! Say you want to be head of department, thats a safe one.)

4) What can you offer to teaching?

5) If you had to teach x to a class of year y students, how would you go about it?

Basically - they are testing you on these key areas:

1) Subject knowledge

2) Creativity

3) Passion

4) Ability to cope under pressure

Good luck.

Answer 2

Depends if you are doing a primary or a secondary PGCE.

They will want to know how you deal with certain problems, they will probably give you a scenario and you have to decide what you would do.

They'll ask about your previous experience with children/students and why you think you are suitable to be on the course.

Answer 3

u know yr subject area.

uve already enjoyed explainign yr subject to kids

u like kids and the learngin process.

u learn from yr mistakes

yr enthusiastic about the prospect of teaching,

u can explain stuff to kids in different ways and are patient and resourceful.

Answer 4

Show your interested in kids.

A must is some voluntary work.

Eg, If you intend to do primary PGCE do some volunteering at Nursery or local primary school.

For High School PGCE volunteer at local high school or youth club.

Doesn't have to be for months and months, even a week will look better than nothing. You wont be doing a lot just helping out but gives you experience in classroom setting.

This shows you have researched your job and got a little experience to see if you actually like working with kids.

Also gives you something to talk about it at interview.

Good

Answer 5

to be accepted onto the PGCE course you will need to have a degree and be able to provide at least 60 to 90 teaching hours per year for the purpose of observations. depending on where you want to teach you may have to complete a diagnostic test