Teacher Training Interview.........On Tuesday!

[Geographytrainee]

Morning, I really hope that someone can help me.
I have just had an email inviting me to a Teacher Training interview on Tuesday morning (i.e tomorrow). All good, however.........
During the assessment I have to do a 15 min lesson on 'Tourism in Africa' to a class of YR7's. This has thrown me and I must admit to feeling a wave of panic!
I have no idea where to start or what to include so if anyone could give me some pointers I would very much appreciate it!!!!

Have you looked at resources on TES? Although bear in mind everyone else at the interview will. Think about what you want them to know by the end and then take steps to get there. Ecotourism? Positives and negatives of tourism generally, ethical side of it, perhaps?

Yr7 may not get through much in 15 mins. How about making a 'card sort' of about 10 statements about tourism in Africa which they then have to divide into positive and negative impacts? Give a 2 or 3 min intro, 5 mins to do the card sort and then a group discussion about what they decided at the end. Put in a few statements that they'll argue over e.g. 'Tourism brings more people to the area' could be good as it might bring money in but could damage the habitat if numbers get too high. That's just off the top of my head and I'm not a geography teacher so sorry if this is way off!

I agree with the positive and negatives card sort. Just make sure that the language is clear enough for all to understand. Or show some images answer students need to identify the human and physical factors that might attract tourists. I'm a geography teacher, pm me if you want more help. Good luck!

Wow! Thank you for your replies. The card sort sounds fab, I will will do that I think. I don't have much time to prepare, just got in from work! 😀
So 10ish cards for each student? Or do I put them in group/pairs? They sort them into positives/negatives then class discussion at end?

I'd get them to work in pairs and give each pair 10 or so statements to sort. Emphasise that they need to be able to give reasons for the way they've sorted the cards. At the end ask them about a few of the statements, who put this as a positive, why? Anyone think it's a negative? Why might that be? Can any of them think of another way of sorting the cards into groups etc. Good luck!

Each pair can have the same 10 statements by the way, they don't all need different ones!

In 15 minutes I would probably only go for 8.

Right, so cards done for each pair, which they will divide into positives and negatives and I will ask them to think of either a positive or negative of their own . Pairs will also have to explain their reasons for the choices. Then group chat etc.
Any other pointers for the interview? I am a bit worried about my subject knowledge as my degree wasn't geography but quite close. I won't be expected to know the whole syllabus in detail will I???!!!!!!
Thanks for all your help, will let you know the outcome!

Hi OP. I had a PGCE in October and was successful in gaining a place. Don't worry about subject knowledge, it shouldn't come up too much at interview stage, at least it didn't with me. I would recommend rehearsing as much as you can so you sound confident when delivery your mini-lesson. Smile lots and be very positive in all aspects of the interview. Be open and honest about any weak areas or worries you have. And get some rest tonight if you can!

Yes, and when you ask a student to contribute ask their name first and then refer back to their name " thanks Sarah, that was really a thoughtful answer..." etc. Smile, don't speak over them and try to appear as relaxed as poss! Schools are crying out for talented teachers, good luck!

If you're worried about your subject knowledge, ask if you can do an SKE. You get a bursary for it - mine meant I could leave old job a month earlier to have time to get my head round the whole teaching thing.

Which is just as well because free headspace is in short supply at the moment. This is my allotted two and a half minutes of mumsnet a week, after the day's marking is finished....

How did it go today? Geographytrainee

Sorry for late reply, after a full day of interviews/tasks and teaching a mini lesson without a drink or bite to eat I developed a migraine and went to bed yesterday before updating.
I got a place! So pleased as it's the provider that I wanted! 😀
The lack of breaks/lunch or drinks yesterday is good training for a days teaching I think
Thank you for all your help and advice.

Congrats. Well done!

Fab, congratulations!

Congratulations, glad it went well. Not having a minute to yourself is excellent preparation for the job!

😀 thank you!
I am over the moon.

Well done you

Well done- from a geography teacher of 20+ years to a prospective one, it's THE best subject to teach, constantly evolving and so relevant to students' lives from economic change, environmental issues, climate change and hazards. Such a shame my school can't really afford to retain experienced (expensive) teachers like me