FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How can a teacher foster higher-order thinking skills in students?

1. By assigning more homework

2. By asking follow-up and divergent questions

3. By providing multiple-choice quizzes

4. By focusing solely on memorization

The correct answer is: By asking follow-up and divergent questions

Fostering higher-order thinking skills in students involves encouraging them to engage with material in a way that promotes analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creativity. By asking follow-up and divergent questions, a teacher compels students to think beyond the basic understanding or recall of information. These types of questions require students to explore different perspectives, make connections between concepts, and articulate their reasoning. This interaction not only enhances comprehension but also challenges students to develop their critical thinking abilities. In this way, the teacher creates a classroom environment that values inquiry and exploration, motivating students to delve deeper into subjects. By encouraging discussions and debates, students learn to justify their thoughts, consider alternative viewpoints, and refine their ideas based on peer feedback, all of which contribute to advanced cognitive skills essential for academic and real-world success.