FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of activity involves students reacting to the responses of their peers?

1. Direct instruction

2. High-Order Activity

3. Independent work

4. Small group discussion

The correct answer is: High-Order Activity

The type of activity that involves students reacting to the responses of their peers is characterized by the engagement and interaction that takes place among students. In a setting where students are reacting to each other's ideas, they are encouraged to think critically and analyze the contributions of their classmates, leading to deeper understanding and learning. High-order activities focus on higher-level cognitive skills such as evaluating, analyzing, and creating, rather than just remembering or understanding information. These activities promote dialogue and can stimulate further questions among peers, driving the learning experience beyond surface-level comprehension. In this context, students are not only reflecting on their own understanding but also critically engaging with the thoughts and perspectives shared by others, which is a hallmark of high-order thinking skills. In contrast, direct instruction typically involves a teacher-centered approach where the primary focus is on delivering content rather than facilitating peer interaction. Independent work emphasizes students working individually, which does not foster peer reaction or collaborative discussion. Small group discussion, while it does promote interaction, may not always delve into high-order thinking unless structured to do so. Thus, high-order activities best capture the essence of an environment where students actively react to and engage with their peers' responses.