Educational researchers have long debated the effectiveness of different approaches to teaching mathematical problem-solving skills. Traditional instr...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Educational researchers have long debated the effectiveness of different approaches to teaching mathematical problem-solving skills. Traditional instruction emphasizes step-by-step procedures and repeated practice of standard algorithms. In contrast, inquiry-based learning encourages students to discover mathematical relationships through exploration and collaborative investigation. Dr. Maria Santos conducted a comprehensive study comparing both methods across diverse classroom settings. Her research found that while traditional instruction produced faster initial skill acquisition, inquiry-based approaches led to superior long-term retention and transfer of mathematical concepts to novel problems.
What choice best describes the main purpose of the text?
It advocates for replacing traditional mathematical instruction with inquiry-based learning approaches in all educational settings.
It describes research comparing the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches to mathematics education.
It explains why inquiry-based learning methods are superior to traditional instructional techniques for teaching mathematics.
It outlines the procedures researchers use to measure mathematical skill acquisition and retention in classroom studies.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Educational researchers have long debated the effectiveness of different approaches to teaching mathematical problem-solving skills.' |
|
| 'Traditional instruction emphasizes step-by-step procedures and repeated practice of standard algorithms.' |
|
| 'In contrast, inquiry-based learning encourages students to discover mathematical relationships through exploration and collaborative investigation.' |
|
| 'Dr. Maria Santos conducted a comprehensive study comparing both methods across diverse classroom settings.' |
|
| 'Her research found that while traditional instruction produced faster initial skill acquisition, inquiry-based approaches led to superior long-term retention and transfer of mathematical concepts to novel problems.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Santos' research compared traditional and inquiry-based math instruction, finding that each method has different strengths at different stages of learning.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a debate about math teaching approaches, describes two main methods, then presents research that systematically compared them and found distinct advantages for each approach.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our passage map, the author presents research that examined both approaches systematically
- The passage focuses on Dr. Santos' study and what it revealed about the effectiveness of different teaching methods
- The main purpose is to inform us about this comparative research and its findings
- The right answer should describe this as presenting comparative research on math teaching methods
It advocates for replacing traditional mathematical instruction with inquiry-based learning approaches in all educational settings.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage 'advocates for replacing traditional instruction'
- The passage doesn't advocate - it presents research findings neutrally
- Shows both methods have different strengths
It describes research comparing the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches to mathematics education.
✓ Correct
- States it 'describes research comparing the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches'
- Perfectly matches our analysis - the passage introduces Dr. Santos' comparative study
- Uses neutral 'describes' language that fits the passage's objective tone
It explains why inquiry-based learning methods are superior to traditional instructional techniques for teaching mathematics.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage 'explains why inquiry-based learning methods are superior'
- The research shows inquiry-based methods are better for some outcomes but traditional methods are better for others
- Trap: Students might focus on final sentence about inquiry-based advantages and miss that traditional instruction also had advantages
It outlines the procedures researchers use to measure mathematical skill acquisition and retention in classroom studies.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on 'procedures researchers use to measure' skills
- The passage mentions research but doesn't explain methodology
- Completely misses the actual content about comparing teaching approaches