FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What teacher action is most appropriate for a student who struggles with assignments and social interaction?

1. Encourage participation through group work

2. Assign additional homework

3. Ignore the behavior

4. Raise academic expectations

The correct answer is: Encourage participation through group work

Encouraging participation through group work is a highly effective strategy for a student who struggles with assignments and social interaction. This approach opens up opportunities for collaborative learning, where the student can engage with peers in a supportive environment. Group activities can foster social skills while also providing the student with different perspectives on the assignment, as they can learn from others' ideas and approaches. Moreover, when students work in groups, they are often more motivated to contribute, as they feel a sense of accountability to their peers. This participation can help build their confidence and improve their social interactions over time. By focusing on cooperative learning, the teacher is addressing both the academic and social needs of the student, facilitating a more inclusive classroom atmosphere. Assigning additional homework may overwhelm the student further, potentially leading to frustration and discouragement. Ignoring the behavior leaves the underlying issues unaddressed and does not support the student's development. Raising academic expectations without appropriate support can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and disengagement, rather than helping the student to improve.