ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Why might educators choose inquiry learning over direct instruction?

1. It requires less preparation

2. It fosters a deeper understanding of concepts

3. It limits student interaction

4. It guarantees higher test scores

The correct answer is: It fosters a deeper understanding of concepts

Educators may choose inquiry learning over direct instruction primarily because it fosters a deeper understanding of concepts. Inquiry learning encourages students to engage actively with the material, prompting them to ask questions, investigate, and explore subject matter more thoroughly. This method emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the connections between new knowledge and what students already understand. By participating in hands-on experiences and collaborative discussions, students are more likely to develop a comprehensive grasp of the content, benefiting from the process of discovering knowledge themselves. This contrasts with direct instruction, which often involves a more passive learning approach where students receive information from the teacher without as much exploration or engagement. In inquiry-based learning, students are motivated to delve into subjects, thereby enhancing their ability to retain and apply concepts in various contexts, which is essential for deep learning.