Educators have long debated whether collaborative learning environments produce superior academic outcomes, and recent research increasingly supports ...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Educators have long debated whether collaborative learning environments produce superior academic outcomes, and recent research increasingly supports these potential benefits. A compelling demonstration comes from Dr. James Chen's 2019 classroom study. Chen implemented peer-based learning groups in high school mathematics courses, predicting that students would demonstrate improved problem-solving skills and higher test scores compared to students in traditional lecture-based classes. His reasoning was that collaborative discussion would help students articulate their thinking and learn from diverse approaches to mathematical problems. Chen's semester-long comparison revealed that students in collaborative groups scored an average of 12% higher on standardized assessments and showed marked improvement in complex problem-solving tasks.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
It critiques traditional lecture-based mathematics instruction by highlighting the superior outcomes achieved through Dr. Chen's collaborative approach.
It presents Dr. Chen's study as evidence supporting the academic benefits of collaborative learning environments.
It describes how Dr. Chen's research methodology could be replicated to validate collaborative learning principles in other subjects.
It explains the theoretical foundation behind collaborative learning and demonstrates how Dr. Chen applied these principles successfully.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Educators have long debated whether collaborative learning environments produce superior academic outcomes, and recent research increasingly supports these potential benefits." |
|
| "A compelling demonstration comes from Dr. James Chen's 2019 classroom study." |
|
| "Chen implemented peer-based learning groups in high school mathematics courses, predicting that students would demonstrate improved problem-solving skills and higher test scores compared to students in traditional lecture-based classes." |
|
| "His reasoning was that collaborative discussion would help students articulate their thinking and learn from diverse approaches to mathematical problems." |
|
| "Chen's semester-long comparison revealed that students in collaborative groups scored an average of 12% higher on standardized assessments and showed marked improvement in complex problem-solving tasks." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's study provides evidence that collaborative learning environments produce better academic outcomes than traditional methods.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that research increasingly supports collaborative learning benefits, then presents Chen's study as strong evidence. It details his methodology, reasoning, and positive results, using this specific study to support the broader claim about collaborative learning's effectiveness.
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, we can see this text isn't primarily critiquing traditional methods or explaining theory in depth
- Instead, it's using Chen's study as proof of something larger
- The passage starts by saying research "increasingly supports" collaborative learning benefits, then presents Chen's study as a "compelling demonstration" of these benefits
- The key elements the correct answer must have:
- Recognition that Chen's study serves as evidence
- Connection to the broader topic of collaborative learning benefits
- Understanding that this is about supporting/demonstrating academic advantages
It critiques traditional lecture-based mathematics instruction by highlighting the superior outcomes achieved through Dr. Chen's collaborative approach.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the passage's main goal is to critique traditional lecture methods
- While the passage mentions traditional methods for comparison, it doesn't focus on criticizing them
- The emphasis is on presenting positive evidence for collaborative learning, not attacking the alternative
It presents Dr. Chen's study as evidence supporting the academic benefits of collaborative learning environments.
✓ Correct
- Perfectly captures how the passage uses Chen's study as evidence for collaborative learning benefits
- Matches our structure showing the study as a "compelling demonstration"
- Aligns with how the passage positions Chen's research within the broader context of supporting research
It describes how Dr. Chen's research methodology could be replicated to validate collaborative learning principles in other subjects.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on replication methodology, but the passage doesn't discuss how to replicate Chen's approach
- The text presents Chen's results without detailing methodology for other researchers to follow
It explains the theoretical foundation behind collaborative learning and demonstrates how Dr. Chen applied these principles successfully.
✗ Incorrect
- While the passage mentions Chen's reasoning briefly, it doesn't deeply explore theoretical foundations
- The focus is on presenting study results as evidence, not explaining collaborative learning theory