FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which teaching method is best characterized by a teacher providing examples followed by guided student exploration?

1. Direct instruction

2. Experiential learning

3. Inductive teaching

4. Cooperative learning

The correct answer is: Inductive teaching

The teaching method characterized by a teacher providing examples followed by guided student exploration is best described as inductive teaching. This method emphasizes the importance of allowing students to observe specific instances, examples, or data before drawing general conclusions or discovering patterns on their own. In this approach, the teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding students in their exploration after initially presenting them with concrete examples. Through inductive teaching, students engage in deeper learning by constructing their own understanding rather than being passively presented with information. This method encourages critical thinking and creativity as learners analyze the provided examples and apply their insights to broader concepts. The teacher’s role is to support this process, ensuring that students have the necessary tools and guidance as they explore and uncover new ideas on their own. Other methods, such as direct instruction, focus heavily on the teacher's presentation and delivery of content, often with little room for exploration. Experiential learning involves active engagement in hands-on experiences but may not always follow the structure of providing examples before exploration. Cooperative learning emphasizes student collaboration and group work, rather than the teacher's initial presentation of examples.