In a science lesson, a teacher facilitates independent work to diagram a life cycle with labeled terms. This instructional strategy is best described as which approach?

In a science lesson, a teacher facilitates independent work to diagram a life cycle with labeled terms. This instructional strategy is best described as which approach?

• A. Guided practice
• B. Concept attainment
• C. Brainstorming
• D. Cooperative learning

Answer: (A)

Guided practice is being tested here. The teacher starts with what students have learned and then helps them apply it while still providing support as needed. Diagramming a life cycle with labeled terms is a concrete task that requires applying sequencing and vocabulary, so the teacher’s role is to guide—model the steps, prompt the student to list stages, help place terms in the correct order, and give feedback as they work. This combination of practice with ongoing support is the essence of guided practice. Concept attainment focuses on discovering categories through exposure to examples and non-examples, not on applying a specific labeling task. Brainstorming is about generating ideas, not practicing a defined procedure. Cooperative learning involves students working together in groups, whereas the scenario emphasizes independent work with teacher guidance, making guided practice the best fit.

Guided practice is being tested here. The teacher starts with what students have learned and then helps them apply it while still providing support as needed. Diagramming a life cycle with labeled terms is a concrete task that requires applying sequencing and vocabulary, so the teacher’s role is to guide—model the steps, prompt the student to list stages, help place terms in the correct order, and give feedback as they work. This combination of practice with ongoing support is the essence of guided practice.

Concept attainment focuses on discovering categories through exposure to examples and non-examples, not on applying a specific labeling task. Brainstorming is about generating ideas, not practicing a defined procedure. Cooperative learning involves students working together in groups, whereas the scenario emphasizes independent work with teacher guidance, making guided practice the best fit.