FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

If students struggle with a particular topic, what should a teacher do next?

1. Review the material alone

2. Seek input from a peer teacher

3. Change the teaching method completely

4. Provide additional homework assignments

The correct answer is: Seek input from a peer teacher

When students struggle with a particular topic, seeking input from a peer teacher is an effective approach as it allows for collaboration and the sharing of best practices. A peer teacher may offer fresh perspectives or strategies that the first teacher may not have considered. This collaborative effort can lead to enhanced instructional methods that better meet the needs of the students. Engaging with a colleague can also help the teacher reflect on their own practices, potentially leading to new insights about why students are struggling and how to address those challenges more effectively. This professional dialogue also fosters a supportive community focused on improving student outcomes. The other options, such as reviewing the material alone, changing the teaching method completely, or providing additional homework assignments, have their own merits but may not address the immediate needs of the students effectively. Reviewing alone lacks the benefit of collaboration and shared resources; drastically changing the method might confuse students rather than reinforce learning; and simply adding homework may not target the specific areas where students are struggling. Thus, seeking input from a peer is a more constructive and collaborative response to students' difficulties.