FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What approach should a teacher take if students seem disinterested in a class topic?

1. Change the lesson plan entirely

2. Ask students for feedback on what they want to learn

3. Ask questions that require students to show, explain, or describe

4. Give them a break to increase attention

The correct answer is: Ask questions that require students to show, explain, or describe

When students appear disinterested in a class topic, asking questions that require them to show, explain, or describe can effectively engage them. This approach promotes active participation and encourages students to think critically about the material. By formulating questions that require elaboration, students are prompted to articulate their understanding or confusion regarding the topic. This method facilitates a deeper connection with the material and fosters an interactive classroom environment, making it more likely for students to rekindle their interest. Furthermore, this strategy not only helps gauge students’ prior knowledge and misconceptions but also provides the teacher with insights on how to tailor further instruction to meet the students' needs. Engaging students through discussion and inquiry helps create a classroom culture where students feel valued and motivated to contribute. Other options, while potentially useful in certain circumstances, do not directly address the issue of student engagement with the topic at hand. For instance, completely changing the lesson plan might not necessarily align with curriculum goals or standards. Asking students for feedback on what they want to learn could be beneficial, but it requires more time for discussion and might not immediately resolve the students' disinterest in the current topic. Allowing a break might refresh students momentarily but does not address the underlying issue of engagement with the subject matter.