The most common teacher interview questions in PSC and UPSC
Dr Mansoor Ali KR
Preparing for a teacher interview involves careful planning and attention to various aspects. Researching some of the most common questions in a teaching interview may help you anticipate what an interviewer may ask you, especially if you’re interviewing for your first teaching position.
In addition to the subject-related questions, they will test your teaching aptitude and ability. Be ready with a small topic to teach in front of the interview board. They will observe how you write on the blackboard, the direction of cleaning the board, logical correlation, imparting concepts, and your body language, including mannerisms.
The usual criteria include a 100-mark written test and 20 marks for the interview. Usually, interview marks will range from 7 to 14. So, every single mark is crucial.
A better preparation is required for the interview because versatile questions, including aptitude and language proficiency, will be tested in teacher interviews. Remember, teacher interviews are not merely to test your subject knowledge.
Biodata
Prepare a good biodata as per the annexure given on the PSC website (Appendix 28A). (https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-05/k-form-16.pdf ) All the 12 points are important. Fill it carefully without spelling and grammar mistakes. Initial questions will be based on this data. Hobbies and ambitions should be appropriate to the job and need justification. Prepare a portfolio of your past teaching achievements and experience.
If you are not in the habit of reading newspapers, read at least three days’ newspapers and stay updated with current affairs related to teaching or the medical profession. Aware of the central and state ministers of Ayush and Health. The board will test whether you are updating yourself or not.
Dress code:
Remember, interview board members are usually elderly people. So, dress for the job you have, not the one you have. Preferably wear inserted trousers, light-colored shirts, blouses, sarees, etc.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
This question is the most common one a teacher can expect in an interview. You can discuss a former teacher who inspired you or another personal experience that made you want to impact the lives of students
What is your teaching philosophy?
Consider what goals you have for your students. what you want to accomplish and how you will apply it in this new position, in a new classroom.
What is meant by CBDC (COMPETENCY BASED DYNAMIC CURRICULUM) recently implemented by NCH in India?
Read here : (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TismQQmpRKO_uHUjde9KA3vhAWFkeWnQ/view )
Explain the structure of the National Commission for Homoeopathy. https://nch.org.in/
What is meant by Competency-based medical education (CBME)?
In summary, competency-based medical education focuses on the development and assessment of specific skills and abilities required for medical practice. By emphasizing competencies, CBME ensures that medical professionals are well-prepared, adaptable, and capable of delivering high-quality care throughout their careers.
Explain something about new BHMS regulations.
Read at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FwcRNLr9-23gbajLM7Kv1IbFXgmLAOeB/view )
Introduce yourself:
The board chairman will ask you to introduce yourself. If they ask in the regional language, reply in the same language; otherwise, in English. Be prepared for both languages. Through this self-introduction, they are testing language proficiency, communication skills, ambition, etc. So, prepare and utilize this opportunity effectively. You will have a maximum of 2 minutes.
Take a look at this list of the most common teacher interview questions and sample answers. Practice your responses, and you’ll feel much more confident when you walk through that door.
Practice answering common questions like:
- What are your strengths as a teacher?
- How would you handle a student you found difficult to teach?
- How do you prepare your lectures?
- How do you measure student achievement?
- The main difference between college teaching and medical teaching?
- What do you feel are the social responsibilities of a physician/teacher?
- What are your best and worst qualities? How you are going to overcome it
- Do you read any medical or teaching technology publications recently? Name few.
- How do you teach in the era of the Internet and artificial intelligence?
- Say something about integrated teaching and learning
- What is the greatest challenge facing teachers today?
- What interests do you have outside your work?
Don’t forget to read the article: The educational attributes and responsibilities of a homeopathic teacher
https://www.homeobook.com/educational-attributes-responsibilities-homeopathic-teacher/
What is your approach to giving students feedback on assignments?
If I notice a student is struggling to comprehend concepts or complete assignments, I typically request a meeting with the student to discuss their progress. This allows me to communicate with students individually so I can better understand what factors are affecting their achievement.
You can decide the next question!!
Always remember that the next question will be born out of the answers you give, so the answers to be given should be fixed in a pre-planned mind.
What would you do to adapt or modify your lectures to be more accessible to underachieving students?
I used a student survey to understand what areas of each concept students were having difficulty comprehending.
- How do you adjust your style to the less-motivated or under-prepared student?
- What are the most recent books and articles that you’ve read?
- What can you bring to the department that is uniquely yours?
- What kind of techniques have you found, to be effective in medical teaching?
- Who is your role model, why?
- How do you motivate students?
- How do you manage relationships with parents?
- What is your experience/opinion with online/remote teaching?
- Can you describe a situation where you successfully managed challenging classroom behavior?
- How do you collaborate with colleagues and parents to support student success?
- Describe a time when a student challenged your authority in the classroom. What did the student do, and how did you respond?
- Imagine that a student is consistently late to your class. How would you handle the situation?
How do you handle a disruptive student?
Behaviour management is an essential part of every teaching toolkit. My students know that disruptive behaviour is not acceptable
Describe how you like to implement technology in your classroom.
Discuss what methods you like to incorporate and how often you use technology in your classroom, and highlight how this benefits students – its merits and demerits.
How do you cope with stress?
This is a great place to talk about hobbies, family/friends, and anything else outside the job that you turn to when things get tough
Do you think students are different than they were before COVID-19? What changes have you observed, and how have you dealt with them in your classroom? Many educators have been quite vocal about the negative emotional, behavioural, and mental changes they’ve noticed in their students post-COVID. If you’ve had similar experiences, you can be honest about them.
Describe a troubling student you’ve taught
This question addresses more than just your reluctant learners. This speaks to any discipline measures you’ve had to address. As a teacher, you need to control the classroom and provide a safe space for all of your students. Think about your approach to troubling students and any successes you’ve had in the past.
Main qualities of a teacher:
Loyalty, punctuality, sincerity and teaching aptitude.
What are the qualities of a medical teacher?
Teachers are facilitators of applied learning than dictators of note. One of the basic requirements for a good teacher is his ability to retain the interest of the students.
If you don’t know the answer, never look down like students sitting at viva voce (you are appearing for a teacher interview). Instead, say, “Sorry, I don’t know,” and then they will ask the next question.
You completed your studies about 10 years ago. What have you been doing since then? A good explanation always counts!
Why did you choose the teaching profession?
You should try to convey that you chose the teaching profession with an indomitable desire and a clear goal or vision.
Hobby: It should be related to your job, like reading. Never say cooking, music, driving, etc. The interview board may think you are more suitable for those activities than teaching!! If your hobby is reading, they might ask about the recent books you have read. National Reading Day is on June 19th, celebrated to honor Sri. PN Panicker since 1996. He was a renowned teacher and the father of the library movement in Kerala. PM Narendra Modi declared it a national day in 2017.
They may ask about interesting quotes about teaching, like “A lamp can only light another lamp when it continues to burn in its own flame. So also, a teacher never truly teaches until he teaches himself” – Rabindranath Tagore. If you answer, “Teaching is my passion,” the board may seek your justification and implementation methods.
Why are CMEs important in the medical profession?
Answer: Basic knowledge is only imparted in undergraduate medical curricula.
What does Medical Education Technology mean?
Answer: Teacher training programs in the medical field.
Name the teacher training program at KUHS.
Certificate Program in Health Science Education Technology (C-HSET)
Syllabus: If you are appearing for a Materia Medica Assistant Professor Interview, they may ask about the number of medicines in the BHMS or PG syllabus. It’s better to have a brief idea about the present syllabus, including its merits and limitations.
The role of a mentor in your college:
Advice, support, suggestions to improve, and guidance
The board may ask about the institutions where your children are studying. If they are studying in a private or unaided institution, you want a Govt job, but if your kids are studying in the private sector, be prepared to justify it.
Always put the development of your students at the center of your answers. Focus on your students more than yourself
Remember to tailor your responses to your own experiences and teaching style during the interview. Please ensure your responses are clear, concise, and confident. Good luck with your interview!
Good preparation is key to a successful teaching interview
Resources
- https://www.monster.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-questions/teacher-interview-questions
- https://www.luc.edu/hr/recruitmentguide_fac_interviewQ’s.shtml
- https://resume.io/uk/blog/teaching-interview-questions
- The secrets of interview for a teaching post – Dr Sivarajan K
- Books and Journals on effective Medical Teaching &Training
http://www.homeobook.com/books-and-journals-on-effective-medical-teaching-training/
Dr Mansoor Ali KR
Professor, HOD, Department of Repertory
Govt Homoeopathy Medical College Calicut. 673010. Kerala
Also, read
How to face PSC UPSC Homeopathy Medical Officer Interview: Expected questions
https://www.homeobook.com/how-to-face-a-pscupsc-medical-officer-homeopathy-interview/
Thank you sir
Thanks for the interview questions. they are helpful and relevant, but there is no answer to the interview questions that will serve as a guide for someone who is preparing for interview.
Thank you sir for paper sharing
Thank you so much Sir for sharing this.