Teaching mini lessons for PGCE (Computer Science)

[funkytwig]

Next week I am doing a PGCE interview (secondary). It's on 'Software Components of a Computer System'. One of the challenges is 'During your interview, you will be asked to teach a 10-minute ‘mini lesson’ to your interviewers and any other candidates invited on the day. It should model components of a typical lesson, including clear aim and objectives, main activity, and plenary'

The lesson is actually 8 minutes with 2 minutes for questions.

I've started to work on some slides and a lesson plan but it's a lot to get through.

SLIDES - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iL5jCsl3XFdBZVP-c1fMn8igpgLVcT6l/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114089109121615050324&rtpof=true&sd=true
LESSON PLAN - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b6gjZjCRIdLmDw6_WqKYAYkVn7Fe84B7s7dw68cUjXY/edit?usp=sharing (needs work on timing and making it zoom ready, also think I miss out the homework bit)

I suppose the saving grace is it's not actually being delivered to students but this just raises more questions. Thinking of aiming it at adults with a low level of IT literacy.

Any advice is gratefully received.

It's been a while since I did my PGCE interview so things might have changed since then. Also a disclaimer that I have no knowledge of computer science so can't really comment on your content here.

However, if they want you to model components of a typical lesson then I'd suggest some sort of quick starter activity to either gain immediate interest in the topic or assess what they already know. Make sure you have the learning objective(s) clearly written so you remember to explain what they are.

The quiz at the end is good as long as it shows the learning gained through the session.

As a general pattern, you can't go too far wrong with:

1. Find out what they already know
2. Build on this by teaching something new
3. Have them apply the learning (or demonstrate in plenary in this case)

Good luck!

Sorry, some of my formatting went a bit funny there.

Also, remember to think about how you present your lesson. They are looking for someone with the skills to stand in front of a class with confidence, not someone who is already amazing at planning lessons.

Speak clearly, smile and try not to read directly from notes/slides.

If you're applying for a comp sci PGCE so long as you actually turn up to interview you'll get a place, so don't worry too much!

I will say that you need to spell-check your presentation though, there are some errors.

Thanks @TheOnceAndFutureQueen, & everyone. As it's only an 8-minute 'lesson' fitting everything in is tricky. The pacing feels a bit rushed already but difficult to know what to miss out. I would love to have a recap (probably a quiz) at the beginning on Hardware but due to time constraints... Will be sure to mention this in the interview 'I would fo liked to create a recap on hardware at the beginning... '. Good point about not reading from slides, think I will reduce the number of words to force me to elaborate.

@funkytwig I'd remove your post or at least your slides just in case someone else comes along and uses them before you!

Good luck