FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which approach focuses on teacher-led instruction and immediate feedback?

1. Cooperative learning

2. Inquiry-based learning

3. Direct instruction

4. Project-based learning

The correct answer is: Direct instruction

The focus on teacher-led instruction and immediate feedback is a hallmark of direct instruction. This instructional approach is characterized by a structured and systematic methodology in which the teacher directs the learning process through explicit teaching and clear, focused explanations. In direct instruction, lessons are typically designed to be systematic, with a strong emphasis on step-by-step guidance, allowing for the efficient delivery of content. Teachers play a pivotal role as leaders in this approach, providing clear objectives and stepwise instructions that help students grasp new concepts effectively. Immediate feedback is an integral part of direct instruction, allowing teachers to assess student understanding in real time. This feedback mechanism serves to reinforce correct understanding and address misunderstandings instantly, creating an environment conducive to learning and mastery of skills. In contrast, the other approaches involve varying levels of student agency and collaborative work. Cooperative learning emphasizes group work and peer interaction, while inquiry-based learning encourages students to explore and discover knowledge through questioning and investigation. Project-based learning focuses on extended projects that require student collaboration and problem-solving over time, rather than immediate, direct guidance from the teacher. Each of these methods offers valuable learning experiences, yet they do not center on the direct instruction method characterized by teacher-led sessions and prompt feedback.