FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is an educational approach that actively engages students in the learning process?

1. Lecture-based instruction

2. Active learning

3. Traditional education

4. Autonomous study

The correct answer is: Active learning

Active learning is an educational approach that emphasizes the participation and engagement of students in the learning process. This method encourages learners to take responsibility for their own learning by engaging actively with the material through discussions, problem-solving tasks, group work, and hands-on activities. It goes beyond mere listening to lectures and passive absorption of information, fostering critical thinking and enhancing retention. In contrast, lecture-based instruction primarily involves the teacher presenting information to students, who absorb this content without significant interaction or engagement. Traditional education often encompasses similar methodologies, focusing on lectures and a set curriculum with limited active participation from students. Autonomous study emphasizes self-directed learning, which can be beneficial but does not inherently involve the collaborative and interactive components that define active learning. By prioritizing student engagement, active learning enhances motivation and improves learning outcomes, making it a highly effective instructional strategy in modern educational contexts.