FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What are concrete objects used to enhance understanding of a lesson called?

1. Artifacts

2. Examples

3. Realia

4. Visual Aids

The correct answer is: Realia

Concrete objects used to enhance understanding of a lesson are referred to as realia. Realia includes actual items or materials that are relevant to the lesson being taught and help students grasp concepts through hands-on interaction. For instance, using a globe to teach geography allows students to visualize their learning in a tangible way, directly connecting academic content with concrete experiences. The use of realia is especially effective in language learning, where students can engage with physical objects that represent vocabulary words, thus reinforcing their understanding and retention of the material. Other choices represent different educational strategies. Artifacts might refer to historical items or original objects that hold significance for a particular lesson but don’t necessarily enhance understanding as broadly as realia does. Examples are illustrations or instances provided to clarify a concept, but they are not physical objects that students can manipulate. Visual aids encompass various materials such as charts or slides that support learning visually but do not involve direct interaction with tangible items. Each of these options serves its purpose in instruction, but realia specifically denotes concrete objects that students can engage with, making it the most fitting choice in this context.