FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of learning activity is characterized by desks arranged in clusters with mixed-gender and mixed-ability groups?

1. A teacher-centered learning activity

2. A student-centered learning activity

3. A lecture-based learning activity

4. A standardized testing activity

The correct answer is: A student-centered learning activity

The correct response highlights the nature of a student-centered learning activity, which focuses on the active involvement of students in their learning process. Arranging desks in clusters promotes collaboration and interaction among students, encouraging them to engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn from each other. This setup allows for diverse perspectives and encourages peer-to-peer learning, which are hallmarks of student-centered approaches. In these types of activities, the teacher acts more as a facilitator than a traditional instructor, guiding students as they explore concepts and work together. The mixed-gender and mixed-ability grouping further enhances the learning experience by fostering inclusivity and enabling students to benefit from varied strengths and learning styles present in their groups. The other types of activities mentioned typically do not emphasize student engagement to the same extent. Teacher-centered activities often involve direct instruction where the teacher delivers content to students without significant student interaction. Lecture-based activities also primarily rely on the teacher's delivery of information, leaving little room for student participation. Standardized testing activities are focused on assessment rather than collaborative learning and do not promote interaction among students.