FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which practice entails students independently researching and comparing results?

1. Inquiry-based learning

2. Cooperative learning

3. Direct instruction

4. Self-directed learning

The correct answer is: Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning involves students actively engaging in the research process to explore questions, problems, or issues that interest them. This educational approach emphasizes student autonomy in discovering knowledge through investigation, experimentation, and critical thinking. In this context, students are encouraged to formulate their own questions, gather information, analyze results, and draw conclusions based on their findings. This method not only fosters independent research skills but also promotes active engagement with the material, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter as they compare results and findings. While self-directed learning also emphasizes student independence, it may not always involve independent research in the same systematic way as inquiry-based learning. Similarly, cooperative learning requires collaboration among students, and direct instruction focuses primarily on teacher-led lessons rather than independent exploration. Thus, inquiry-based learning specifically aligns with the practice of students independently researching and comparing results.