CFD Teaching & Learning Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instructional strategy involves students teaching each other in small groups after receiving initial instruction from the faculty?
- Peer instruction (Correct answer)
- Direct instruction
- Socratic questioning
- Independent study
Correct answer: Peer instruction
Peer instruction leverages students explaining concepts to classmates, reinforcing their own understanding while helping peers learn.
Question 2: A faculty developer wants to reduce cognitive overload in a complex lecture. Which approach best addresses this goal?
- Increasing lecture speed to cover more material
- Chunking content into smaller, sequenced segments (Correct answer)
- Providing all materials at the end of class
- Using only verbal explanations without visuals
Correct answer: Chunking content into smaller, sequenced segments
Chunking breaks complex information into manageable pieces, aligning with cognitive load theory to improve retention.
Question 3: Which learning theory emphasizes that students construct knowledge through active experience rather than passive reception?
- Behaviorism
- Constructivism (Correct answer)
- Cognitivism
- Connectivism
Correct answer: Constructivism
Constructivism, associated with Piaget and Vygotsky, holds that learners build understanding through interaction with their environment.
Question 4: In the context of active learning, what is a 'muddiest point' exercise?
- A debate on controversial topics
- A student self-assessment of personal weaknesses
- A brief written reflection on the most confusing part of a lesson (Correct answer)
- A peer grading activity
Correct answer: A brief written reflection on the most confusing part of a lesson
The muddiest point technique asks students to identify what remains unclear, giving faculty immediate formative feedback.
Question 5: When designing a flipped classroom, what is the PRIMARY role of face-to-face class time?
- Delivering new content via lecture
- Testing students on prior readings
- Applying, analyzing, and discussing content students reviewed beforehand (Correct answer)
- Reviewing homework assignments
Correct answer: Applying, analyzing, and discussing content students reviewed beforehand
In a flipped model, foundational content is assigned before class so that in-person time focuses on higher-order application and dialogue.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes scaffolding in higher education instruction?
- Providing permanent support structures for all students
- Gradually removing support as student competence increases (Correct answer)
- Assigning group work without instructor guidance
- Using standardized tests to measure learning
Correct answer: Gradually removing support as student competence increases
Scaffolding involves temporary instructional support that is systematically reduced as learners develop independent competence.
Question 7: A faculty member uses 'think-pair-share' during a lecture. What is the PRIMARY benefit of this technique?
- It replaces the need for reading assignments
- It gives students time to process ideas and articulate them to a peer before class discussion (Correct answer)
- It reduces the need for formal assessment
- It allows faculty to skip difficult topics
Correct answer: It gives students time to process ideas and articulate them to a peer before class discussion
Think-pair-share promotes individual reflection, peer dialogue, and confidence-building before whole-class discussion.
CFD Teaching & Learning Strategies 2
Which instructional strategy involves students teaching each other in small groups after receiving initial instruction from the faculty?