PGCE - Secondary - Psychology

University of Worcester

This module develops your understanding of current subject specific educational theory in relation to learning and teaching. You will deconstruct a learning and teaching sequence by critically evaluating, consolidating, extending, and applying subject knowledge delivery in the classroom, starting with the impact on learning. The module develops critical reflection on subject knowledge, assessment, and inclusion when planning for effective learning. You will grow into a reflective, self-evaluating practitioner who can demonstrate originality and recognise key factors which underpin good subject teaching when dealing with complex issues.

This module focuses on school experience and evidence to demonstrate meeting the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the course. Completion of a series of tasks will allow for reflections on learning and teaching including professional values. The module makes links between taught university and school sessions and the time spent on placement, making connections between theories of learning and the practice of teaching. A key focus will be on what makes good teaching and learning and how pupils make progress over a period of time. Periodic reviewing to critically evaluate progress against the targeted aspects of the Initial teacher training early career framework 2024, allows for the identification of further professional development through training and into the Early Career Teacher phase.

This module involves the critical appraisal of personal professional practice to develop evidence informed teaching based on an area of interest or personal challenge. It involves a comparative analysis and evaluation of factors and underlying themes through the integration and synthesis of current literature, research, and evidence on the selected topic. You will use an evidence-informed approach to evaluate the actual and potential impact on teaching practice considering the role of evidence informed teaching in the classroom.

You’ll spend 120 days in at least two different schools, ensuring you experience a range classes and school environments. This classroom experience gives you the opportunity to prepare and rehearse the foundational teaching skills such as explanations and modelling, talk for learning, and assessment for impact. There will also be additional school visit days where you can explore practical strategies for the classroom, with opportunities to practice, rehearse, and implement in school.