FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

During a lesson, a teacher prompts students to clarify their reasoning. Which practice is she employing?

1. Suggesting further research

2. Encouraging collaboration

3. Facilitating critical thinking

4. Promoting rote memorization

The correct answer is: Facilitating critical thinking

The practice of prompting students to clarify their reasoning directly supports the development of critical thinking skills. By asking students to articulate their thought processes, the teacher encourages them to examine their own ideas, evaluate their reasoning, and consider alternative perspectives. This fosters an environment where students can engage deeply with the content, question assumptions, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. Facilitating critical thinking is essential for helping students learn to analyze information, draw conclusions based on evidence, and make reasoned judgments, all of which are key components of effective problem-solving and decision-making. This approach also promotes metacognition, whereby students become more aware of their cognitive processes, enabling them to become more independent learners.