15 Pedagogical Interview Questions and Answers

As a teacher, you’re always on the lookout for new techniques to help your students learn. But what happens when you’re the one being interviewed?

Whether you’re applying for your first teaching job or making a mid-career switch, you can expect to be asked some tough questions about your pedagogical practices. How you answer these questions will determine whether or not you get the job.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common pedagogical interview questions and answers. These questions will cover topics such as your teaching philosophy, classroom management style, and use of technology in the classroom.

1. What is Pedagogy?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the field. It also allows you to show that you understand what pedagogy means and how it applies to teaching. When answering this question, define pedagogy in your own words and explain how it relates to education.

Example: “Pedagogy is the study of teaching methods. In my experience, I have found that there are many different ways to teach students. Pedagogy helps teachers determine which method will be most effective for their students. For example, some students learn better through lectures while others prefer hands-on learning. Knowing these differences can help me create an engaging lesson plan that meets all of my students’ needs.”

2. What are the main types of pedagogical methods that can be used in schools and colleges?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the different teaching methods that are available. They want to see if you can apply a variety of approaches in the classroom and understand their strengths and weaknesses. In your answer, explain what each method is and give an example of how it could be used effectively.

Example: “There are many types of pedagogical methods that teachers use to engage students and help them learn. Some of these include discovery learning, active learning, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning. I find that using a combination of methods helps me reach all my students and ensure they’re understanding the material. For instance, when I’m teaching math concepts, I like to start with a lecture so that everyone understands the basics. Then, I move on to hands-on activities where students can practice what they learned.”

3. How do you use a constructivist approach to teaching?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of teaching methods and how you apply them in the classroom. A constructivist approach to teaching involves encouraging students to learn through discovery, experimentation and problem-solving. You can answer this question by describing a situation where you used a constructivist approach to teaching and what positive results it had on your students.

Example: “In my last position as a high school math teacher, I noticed that many of my students were struggling with basic algebra concepts. To help them understand these concepts better, I started using hands-on activities like group work and games to teach algebraic equations. This helped me reach all of my students and gave those who struggled with algebra more confidence in their abilities.”

4. Can you explain what scaffolding is in context with education?

Scaffolding is a teaching method that helps students learn new concepts and skills. It’s important to show the interviewer you know how to use scaffolding in your classroom. In your answer, explain what scaffolding is and give an example of when you used it in your previous role.

Example: “Scaffolding is a technique I use to help students understand complex topics or skills. For instance, if I’m teaching my class about fractions, I’ll start by explaining the basics of fractions and then move on to more advanced concepts like adding and subtracting fractions. This allows students to build upon their knowledge as they progress through the lesson.”

5. What’s your understanding of Erasmus+?

This is a question that can be asked by an interviewer to assess your knowledge of the European Union’s Erasmus+ program. The Erasmus+ program provides funding for students and teachers to travel abroad, allowing them to experience different cultures and learn about other countries’ education systems.

Example: “Erasmus+ is a great opportunity for students and educators to gain international experiences. I have had the privilege of working with several students who were part of this program, and they always come back from their trips with new perspectives on life and learning. As a teacher, it’s important to me that my students are able to explore the world around them and develop into global citizens.”

6. What is problem-based learning?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of pedagogical skills. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method that allows students to solve problems and develop critical thinking skills. It’s important for teachers to be able to explain this concept in detail, as it can help them connect with interviewers who may have experience with PBL.

Example: “Problem-based learning is a teaching method where students learn by solving real-world problems. In my last role, I used problem-based learning when teaching math concepts to elementary school students. For example, if we were working on addition, I would give the class a scenario where they had to add two numbers together. The students would then work together to figure out how to solve the problem.”

7. What are some advantages of using e-learning technology?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the benefits of using technology in the classroom. You can list several advantages and explain how they help students learn more effectively.

Example: “E-learning technology has many advantages, including saving time and money for schools. It also allows me to create engaging lessons that are easy for students to understand. I find it easier to track student progress when I use e-learning technology because I can monitor their performance online. Students can also complete assignments at home or on the go, which helps them stay focused and motivated.”

8. What are some challenges faced by teachers when they have to incorporate educational technologies into their lessons?

Technology is an important part of the modern classroom, and your interviewer may want to know how you handle incorporating technology into your lessons. Use examples from your experience that show you can use educational technologies effectively in the classroom.

Example: “One challenge I’ve faced when using educational technologies is finding a balance between teaching students how to use these tools and allowing them to explore on their own. For example, I once taught a lesson where we used Google Docs to create presentations about our favorite books. While this was great for introducing my students to the program, it became difficult to keep track of who was doing what as they were creating their projects. To solve this problem, I had each student write down which book they were writing about and then assigned them a color. This way, I could quickly see if someone wasn’t following directions.”

9. How does critical thinking relate to pedagogy?

Critical thinking is a skill that can help students learn more effectively. It involves analyzing information and making decisions based on evidence, rather than personal opinions or emotions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how critical thinking relates to your own teaching style.

Example: “Critical thinking is an important part of my pedagogy because I believe it helps students develop their ability to think independently. In my last role as a high school English teacher, I noticed that many of my students had trouble with writing assignments that required them to analyze the text for meaning. So, I started incorporating lessons about literary analysis into my curriculum. After several weeks, I saw improvements in my students’ abilities to critically analyze texts.”

10. What are some ways that educators ensure a safe environment for students?

School safety is a top priority for many school districts. Employers want to know that you understand the importance of keeping students safe and how you would implement policies or procedures to ensure their well-being. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to keep students safe in your classroom and on campus.

Example: “I believe it’s important to create a safe learning environment for all students. I would make sure my classroom was free from distractions so students could focus on lessons. I also would encourage open communication between teachers and parents about any concerns they have regarding student behavior. If I noticed a student acting out, I would speak with them privately to find out if there were any issues at home that may be affecting their performance.”

11. What are some common mistakes made by new teachers?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with new teachers. They want to know that you can help them avoid making the same mistakes yourself. In your answer, explain what you would tell a new teacher about common errors and how they could improve their teaching skills.

Example: “I’ve worked with many new teachers over the years, so I’ve seen some of the most common mistakes made by those just starting out. One mistake is not being prepared for class. It’s important to read through lesson plans ahead of time and make sure all materials are ready before students arrive. Another common mistake is not knowing how to handle classroom disruptions. As a teacher, it’s important to establish rules and consequences right away so students understand what behavior is expected.”

12. What are some important factors needed for effective classroom management?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your classroom management skills. They want to know how you plan lessons, manage students and keep order in the classroom. In your answer, explain what you do to ensure that all students are engaged and focused on learning.

Example: “I think it’s important for teachers to be organized and prepared when they enter the classroom each day. I always make sure to have lesson plans ready before class starts so I can begin teaching right away. This helps me avoid wasting time while I’m trying to find my notes or other materials. It also allows me to focus on engaging with students rather than searching for information.”

13. What is differentiated instruction?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of teaching methods. Differentiated instruction is an important concept in education, and it’s likely that you’ll be asked about it during the interview process. In your answer, define what differentiated instruction is and explain how you use it in your classroom.

Example: “Differentiated instruction is when teachers adapt their lessons to meet the needs of all students. I believe this is one of the most effective ways to teach because it allows each student to learn at their own pace while still being challenged. When I first started teaching, I used differentiation by creating different learning stations for my students. For example, some students would work on math problems while others worked on reading comprehension questions.”

14. What is an instructional designer?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for this role. You can answer by defining what an instructional designer does, including some of the tasks they perform.

Example: “Instructional designers are professionals who create learning materials for different types of learners. They use their expertise in various fields such as technology, education and psychology to develop engaging content that supports specific goals. Instructional designers also evaluate the effectiveness of these learning materials and make changes when needed. In my previous position, I was responsible for creating digital resources for teachers to use with students.”

15. What is a flipped classroom?

A flipped classroom is a teaching method that involves students watching lectures at home and then coming to class for hands-on activities. This question allows you to show your knowledge of pedagogical methods and how they can be used in the classroom. You should explain what a flipped classroom is, why it’s beneficial and how you would implement it into your lesson plans.

Example: “A flipped classroom is a teaching method where students watch videos or listen to audio recordings outside of class and come to class ready to learn through hands-on activities. I believe this method is beneficial because it gives teachers more time to work with individual students who need extra help while also allowing them to cover more material in each class period.”