The Best Interview Questions For Further Education Interviews

Whether it’s your first time conducting an interview, or your 100th, it’s always a good idea to spend time thinking about which questions you should ask and what sort of responses you are looking for. While the question focus may change slightly depending on whether you’re advertising college vacancies or teaching posts in other Further Education (FE) providers, the type of information you are hoping to glean from their answers will be remain the same.

For us, the interview questions are split into two areas: your knowledge and their teaching.

Further Education Interview Questions: Your Knowledge

1. Why did you choose to teach in further education?

This question should give you some indication as to their understanding of what it is like to teach in FE and whether they are still enthusiastic about the sector. They need to demonstrate that they understand the differences and challenges in teaching in FE as opposed to a secondary school, and a community-learning provider or other learning environment as opposed to a college if required.

Sample answer: "I chose to teach in further education because of the unique opportunity it presents to impact adult learners' lives significantly. I appreciate the diversity of students in FE, each bringing their unique experiences and challenges. My aim is to bridge gaps in their learning and provide them with skills that are immediately applicable in their chosen fields. I find the environment in FE more dynamic and responsive to industry trends compared to secondary schools or community learning providers."

2. What are the major issues in further education at present?

Asking this question will help you determine if the candidate is one who keeps up-to-date with the issues and news regarding FE, or if they wait to be told what is relevant to them by their managers/senior members of staff.

Sample answer: "Currently, further education faces challenges like funding constraints, the need for digital integration, and aligning courses with evolving industry requirements. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on addressing the skills gap in various sectors. Keeping abreast of these issues is crucial for me as an educator to ensure that my teaching methods and the curriculum remain relevant and effective."

3. What makes a successful provider?

A candidate’s answers to this question will give you an idea of what they are looking for in an employer and the sort of environment they wish to work in. Hopefully, their ideas with tally with your view of your service.

Sample answer: "A successful provider in further education is one that not only imparts knowledge but also prepares students for real-world challenges. This includes offering a curriculum that's aligned with industry needs, providing ample hands-on learning opportunities, and fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of learners."

4. How would you react if a senior member of staff queried or criticised some aspect of your teaching?

This question is important because at various points through the year the candidate should be expecting someone to pop in or do a formal observation. Senior members of staff will also be keeping an eye on data, progress and student feedback/satisfaction, and it is their responsibility to discuss any issues or concerns with the teachers. This question, therefore, could help determine how a candidate will fit in with their team.

Sample answer: "I view feedback from senior staff as a valuable opportunity for professional growth. If my teaching methods were queried or criticised, I would first seek to understand their perspective and then reflect on my practices. I am open to constructive criticism and willing to adapt my techniques for the betterment of my students' learning experiences."

5. How important do you think it is to make links with other subjects?

Is the candidate going to stick to their team and subject area, or are they willing and eager to be part of the community as a whole?

Sample answer: "Interdisciplinary links are vital in further education. They provide students with a holistic learning experience and help them see the real-world application of their studies. I am keen on collaborating with colleagues from other disciplines to create an integrated learning environment."

6. How would you like to see your career develop?

Another important question as an effective teacher is one who is always seeking to improve, to develop new skills and gain new knowledge.

Sample answer: "I aim to continuously evolve as an educator, embracing new teaching methodologies and technologies. In the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within the educational sector, contributing to curriculum development and policy making, to make a broader impact."

7. What is the relevance of your previous experience?

Their answers to this question should demonstrate their ability to reflect on experiences and therefore learn from any mistakes and make improvements to their teaching practices.

Sample answer: "My previous experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set. For instance, working in a corporate setting has given me real-world insights that I bring into my teaching. I've learned to adapt quickly, manage diverse groups, and integrate practical examples into my lessons."

8. What personal interests or hobbies do you have that could be of value?

Another question which will show whether the candidate is one who aims to be offer more than just a single subject and become part of the community.

Sample answer: "My interests in technology and digital arts are directly relevant to my teaching. I incorporate these into my lessons, keeping them engaging and current. I also participate in community theatre, which enhances my communication skills and ability to connect with a diverse audience."

Further Education Interview Questions: Your Teaching or Coaching

1. What are your strengths as a lecturer or coach?

This is another opportunity for the candidate to reflect on their skills and knowledge of what a successful lecturer is like. Ideally, you want someone who matches what you listed as your ‘essential’ characteristics. The candidate should also demonstrate here that they have read your job description and thought about how they meet your specifications.

Sample answer: "My strengths include a deep passion for my subject, which translates into engaging and dynamic lectures. I excel in creating an inclusive learning environment, effectively communicating complex concepts, and fostering critical thinking among students. My ability to integrate technology into teaching enhances the learning experience. I've reviewed your job description thoroughly and believe my skills align well with your essential characteristics."

2. What are your main areas for professional development?

A lecturer should always be aiming for improvement and their answers to this question will show you if this candidate is someone who reflects on their development regularly, whether they can give you specific targeted areas they want to focus on, and also whether they have thought about how you in particular can help them grow.

Sample answer: "I'm continuously looking to enhance my digital literacy and innovate my teaching methods. Professional development in emerging educational technologies and advanced pedagogical strategies is a key focus area for me. I am particularly interested in how your institution supports continuous learning and growth in these areas."

3. How would you respond to the different needs and abilities of your class or learner?

This question is important as it will demonstrate that they understand about personalisation and differentiation, how far they have incorporated these ideas into their teaching practice, and will also give you some insight into their teaching style.

Sample answer: "I use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, such as visual aids, interactive sessions, and group discussions. Personalisation and differentiation are at the core of my approach, ensuring that each student's unique needs and abilities are addressed. My teaching style is adaptive, aiming to maximise individual student engagement and learning."

4. What do you like about teaching your subject?

In this instance, you are looking for their enthusiasm and passion for their subject, their understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the barriers and challenges for students.

Sample answer: "I am passionate about my subject because it constantly evolves and has real-world applications. I enjoy breaking down its complexities to make it accessible and exciting for students. The challenge lies in addressing common misconceptions and making the subject relevant, which I find incredibly rewarding."

5. How do you motivate your students and ensure high levels of engagement in your classroom?

In this instance you're looking to understand:

1. How they approach teaching and how they create a positive learning environment for your students.

2. How they manage the classroom and whether they have an effective behavior management strategies in place.

3. Creativity and adaptability in their teaching methods.

Sample answer: "To motivate students, I establish a positive and interactive learning environment. I use a mix of practical examples, storytelling, and problem-solving activities to keep the lessons engaging. Effective classroom management and clear expectations are key, along with creative and adaptable teaching methods to maintain student interest."

6. How would you promote and develop the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the students in your class?

For this question you are typically looking for several things:

1. Their understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development: The interviewer wants to know if they have a good understanding of what these terms mean and how they relate to education. You may also want to see if they are familiar with the ways in which schools are expected to promote these aspects of student development.

2. Their approach to promoting these aspects of student development: The interviewer may be interested in how they go about promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in your classroom. You may ask about specific strategies you have used in the past, or how you would tailor your approach to meet the needs of different students.

3. Their ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment: The interviewer may be looking for someone who is able to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that respects and values different cultures and backgrounds. They may ask about how you would handle situations where students have differing views or beliefs.

Sample answer: "I promote these aspects by integrating diverse perspectives into the curriculum and encouraging open discussions. Activities that foster empathy, ethical thinking, and cultural awareness are part of my approach. I strive to create a classroom environment that respects and values different cultures and backgrounds, encouraging students to explore and respect diverse viewpoints."

7. How would you deal with disruptive behaviour?

These three questions all help to give a clear indication of a candidate’s teaching style, as well as their knowledge of teaching and what makes a good lesson. Better answers will include specific details and clear examples of things they have tried in the classroom, or ideas they have read about or observed that they wish to try.

Sample answer: "Effective classroom management is crucial. I address disruptive behaviour by setting clear expectations and consequences, understanding the underlying causes, and engaging students in the process of finding solutions. I also believe in proactive communication and building a rapport with students to prevent such behaviour."

8. How would you cope with a lack of enthusiasm from some colleagues, or those with difficulties or reluctance to use ICT and technology within their teaching?

This question is a useful one for confirming how well the candidate will work as part of your team and how well they meet some of the challenges they could face outside of the classroom. Questions of this type – such as, coping with challenging parents or aggressive students – establish how well the candidate may manage stressful and high-pressured situations.

We hope these questions have helped you think about the questions you may ask in your next interview, as well as what sort of information you are hoping to receive in their replies. Your first step in recruiting effectively, of course, is writing a clear job description. Your questions and answers will lead on from there.

Sample answer: "In such situations, I would take a collaborative approach, sharing the benefits and successes of integrating technology in teaching. Offering support and training to colleagues can help alleviate their apprehensions. I believe in leading by example and creating an open dialogue to encourage a positive shift towards embracing new methods."

Other Useful Resources

For more comprehensive insights and guidance on pursuing a career in further education, explore the following resources:

• Why Work in Further Education? - Delve into the reasons that make a career in further education rewarding and impactful.
• How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in Further Education - Get tips on crafting an effective cover letter tailored for the further education sector.
• Crafting a Personal Brand in the Further Education, Skills, and Learning Sectors - Understand the importance of personal branding and how to develop it within the education sector.
• Early Years Lecturer Jobs: Opportunities and Requirements in Further Education - Explore opportunities and requirements for becoming an early years lecturer.
• 7 Steps to Finding a Job in Further Education Training After Redundancy - Practical advice for pursuing a career in further education after redundancy.
• The Best Interview Questions for Further Education Interviews - Discover key questions to prepare for when interviewing for a role in further education.

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