FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

This scenario best illustrates the use of which instructional strategy when students search topics independently and compare results?

1. Guided practice

2. Discovery

3. Direct instruction

4. Peer teaching

The correct answer is: Discovery

The scenario described demonstrates the use of the discovery instructional strategy, which emphasizes students exploring topics independently to construct their own understanding. In this approach, learners engage with educational materials, explore various sources, and draw conclusions based on their findings. By comparing results, students actively participate in their learning process, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Discovery learning allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter, as they are not simply receiving information but are instead encouraged to investigate, hypothesize, and problem-solve. This type of inquiry promotes ownership of learning and can lead to a sense of empowerment as students navigate their educational journey. In contrast, guided practice typically involves a teacher providing structured support and direction as students practice skills, while direct instruction focuses on explicit teaching of content. Peer teaching relies on students teaching one another, which is different from the independent exploration and comparison process illustrated in the scenario.