Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

Which instructional method encourages students to ask questions and explore concepts?

1. Direct instruction

2. Inquiry-based learning

3. Behaviorist teaching

4. Lecture-based classes

The correct answer is: Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning is an instructional method that emphasizes student engagement and active participation in the learning process. It encourages students to ask questions, investigate, and explore concepts through a hands-on approach. This method fosters critical thinking and problem-solving as students are prompted to seek out answers, conduct experiments, or collaborate with peers to develop a deeper understanding of a topic. By prioritizing student inquiry, this approach nurtures curiosity and allows learners to take ownership of their educational experience. This method contrasts with direct instruction, which typically involves the teacher providing information in a more structured, teacher-centered manner, limiting the students' opportunity to ask questions and explore concepts independently. Similarly, behaviorist teaching focuses on observable behaviors and the modification of those behaviors through reinforcement, which may not promote exploration or questioning. Lecture-based classes also tend to be more passive, with students receiving information without the same level of engagement or exploration as found in inquiry-based learning.