Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for PGT Economics Roles – 2025

Preparing for a PGT Economics job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field of economics, along with your teaching abilities and commitment to student success. Whether you’re applying for a role in a high school or higher education setting, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your background and experience in economics?
  I have a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Economics. I also have 5 years of experience teaching economics at the high school level and have taken additional courses in economic theory and policy.
• 2. How do you incorporate current events or real-life examples into your economics lessons?
  I believe it is important to connect the concepts and theories taught in the classroom to real-world situations. For example, when discussing supply and demand, I may use recent news stories about shortages or surpluses in certain industries to help students understand the concept better.
• 3. How do you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, understand and engage with the material?
  I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. I also use various teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, group discussions, and visual aids, to cater to different learning styles.
• 4. What is your approach to handling difficult or disruptive students in the classroom?
  I believe in using positive reinforcement and clear communication to manage challenging behaviors. I also have experience in different disciplinary techniques, such as redirecting, addressing the issue privately, or involving administrators if necessary.
• 5. How do you stay updated on current trends and developments in the field of economics?
  I am an avid reader and regularly attend conferences, seminars, and webinars related to economics. I also follow industry experts and organizations on social media and regularly read economic publications and journals.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• 6. Can you explain the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics?
  Microeconomics focuses on individual economic decisions, such as consumer behavior and the supply and demand of goods and services. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, looks at the economy as a whole, including factors like inflation, gross domestic product, and economic policies.
• 7. How do you teach complex economic theories and concepts to students?
  I break down the material into smaller, more manageable parts and use visual aids, examples, and real-world applications to make it easier for students to understand. I also encourage students to ask questions and participate in discussions to deepen their understanding.
• 8. Can you discuss the impact of supply and demand on the economy?
  Supply and demand play a crucial role in determining prices and production levels in the economy. When demand for a good or service increases, prices go up, and producers are incentivized to increase production. Conversely, when demand decreases, prices go down, and production decreases as well.
• 9. What is your understanding of fiscal policy?
  Fiscal policy involves government actions to influence the economy through changes in tax rates and government spending. It aims to promote economic growth, reduce unemployment, and control inflation.
• 10. How do you incorporate technology into your economics lessons?
  Technology can enhance the learning experience in economics in many ways, such as using online simulations to demonstrate economic principles or incorporating economic data and trends from reliable sources into discussions and projects.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a student is struggling to grasp a particular concept?
  I would first try to identify the specific area or concept that the student is having trouble with and provide additional resources or explanations to help them understand. I may also offer extra one-on-one support or suggest study strategies to help them improve.
• 12. How would you adapt your teaching style to different levels or abilities within one class?
  I would use a variety of instructional methods and materials to meet the needs of all students. For example, I may provide more challenging tasks or supplementary readings for advanced students, while also implementing visual aids and hands-on activities for students who require extra support.
• 13. If a student asks a question that you do not know the answer to, how would you respond?
  I would thank the student for their question and let them know that I will look into it and get back to them with an accurate answer. I believe in modeling lifelong learning for my students, and it is okay to admit to not knowing everything.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a student is expressing strong disagreement with a particular economic theory or policy?
  I would encourage the student to share their perspective and rationale, and then facilitate a respectful discussion and debate among the class. I believe in promoting critical thinking and understanding different viewpoints, even if they differ from my own.
• 15. How would you handle a student who is constantly challenging your authority or causing disruptions in the classroom?
  Depending on the severity of the behavior, I may address it privately with the student and involve counselors or administrators if necessary. I believe in setting clear expectations and consequences for behavior and following through consistently.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. What motivated you to become an economics teacher?
  I have always had a love for economics and believe it is essential for individuals to understand how the economy works to make informed decisions. I am also passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge with others.
• 17. How do you incorporate diversity and multiculturalism into your economics curriculum?
  I believe it is vital to provide diverse perspectives and examples in the economics classroom to better reflect the diverse world we live in. I also strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students to share their thoughts and experiences.
• 18. Can you provide an example of how you have collaborated with colleagues to improve the economics curriculum or teaching methods?
  In my previous role, I worked with my colleagues to develop a project-based learning activity where students had to research and analyze the economic impact of a current event. This helped students apply their learnings in a real-world context and improve their critical thinking skills.
• 19. Why do you think it is important for students to learn about economics?
  Economics provides a foundation for understanding how societies interact with limited resources and helps students make informed decisions about their personal finances, careers, and the world around them. It also teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills that are applicable in various fields.
• 20. How do you handle controversial or sensitive topics related to economics in the classroom?
  I believe in creating a safe and respectful space for discussing difficult topics. Before addressing any sensitive topic, I make sure to provide appropriate context and set ground rules for respectful and open-minded discussion. I also offer students the option to discuss the topic privately if they are uncomfortable sharing their thoughts in front of the class.