ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Which approach is the least effective when trying to stimulate interest before reading an informational text on dinosaurs?

1. Discuss drawings of dinosaurs

2. Show photos of dinosaurs

3. Ask what students already know

4. Take a class field trip to a dinosaur museum

The correct answer is: Take a class field trip to a dinosaur museum

Taking a class field trip to a dinosaur museum, while an exciting and engaging method, may not be the most effective initial strategy for stimulating interest before reading an informational text. This approach typically requires significant time and resources for planning and execution, which may not be feasible in every educational setting. Moreover, it does not directly connect to the reading process itself. While the experience of visiting a museum can certainly enhance understanding and interest, it does not provide the opportunity to activate prior knowledge or engage students with the specific content they will be reading about. In contrast, discussing drawings, showing photos, and asking students what they already know tend to foster immediate connections to the material and encourage students to think critically about their existing knowledge and perceptions prior to diving into a text. These strategies create a cognitive framework that prepares students for deeper comprehension and engagement with the reading material.