Teaching MethodTraditional lectureCollaborative learningTotalPercent in collaborative learningMathematics14523437961.7%Science16729846564.1%English203...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Teaching Method | Traditional lecture | Collaborative learning | Total | Percent in collaborative learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 145 | 234 | 379 | 61.7% |
| Science | 167 | 298 | 465 | 64.1% |
| English | 203 | 287 | 490 | 58.6% |
| History | 134 | 189 | 323 | 58.5% |
| Foreign Language | 89 | 156 | 245 | 63.7% |
Professor Elena Martinez and her academic team conducted a comprehensive study examining educational engagement patterns within five subject areas at Roosevelt High School. The research group determined that under conditions of random distribution to teaching methodologies, roughly \(25\%\) of students would be involved in collaborative learning exercises. The team monitored student participation in collaborative learning compared to conventional lecture formats across each academic discipline, then evaluated these figures against the anticipated random distribution outcomes. Drawing from this evidence, they contend that students participating in collaborative learning exhibit superior academic performance.
Which option most accurately identifies table data that substantiate the researchers' claim?
Across every academic discipline, the proportion of students engaged in collaborative learning significantly exceeded the anticipated levels under random distribution.
Science demonstrated the highest total enrollment in collaborative learning among all subjects.
In Mathematics and Science courses, collaborative learning participation rates fell below the predicted random assignment levels.
None of the five academic areas achieved collaborative learning participation rates of 70% or higher.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Professor Elena Martinez and her academic team conducted a comprehensive study examining educational engagement patterns within five subject areas at Roosevelt High School." |
|
| "The research group determined that under conditions of random distribution to teaching methodologies, roughly 25% of students would be involved in collaborative learning exercises." |
|
| "The team monitored student participation in collaborative learning compared to conventional lecture formats across each academic discipline, then evaluated these figures against the anticipated random distribution outcomes." |
|
| "Drawing from this evidence, they contend that students participating in collaborative learning exhibit superior academic performance." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers claim collaborative learning produces superior academic performance based on participation rates exceeding random distribution expectations.
Argument Flow: Research setup → establish 25% baseline → compare actual to expected rates → conclude collaborative learning is superior.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which table data supports the researchers' claim about collaborative learning leading to superior performance.
What type of answer do we need? Evidence from data that backs up their conclusion.
Any limiting keywords? Must identify data that substantiates their claim.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- For the researchers' claim to be supported, the data should show students choosing collaborative learning at rates significantly higher than the 25% random baseline
- This would suggest students find collaborative learning beneficial, supporting the superior performance claim
- Looking at expected patterns: All subjects should show collaborative learning participation well above 25% if the claim is valid
Across every academic discipline, the proportion of students engaged in collaborative learning significantly exceeded the anticipated levels under random distribution.
✓ Correct
- States that collaborative learning rates significantly exceeded 25% across all subjects
- This directly supports the claim by showing consistent preference above random chance
Science demonstrated the highest total enrollment in collaborative learning among all subjects.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on raw enrollment numbers rather than the critical comparison to baseline expectations
- Raw numbers don't demonstrate preference or effectiveness
In Mathematics and Science courses, collaborative learning participation rates fell below the predicted random assignment levels.
✗ Incorrect
- Would contradict the researchers' claim if subjects failed to exceed the baseline prediction
None of the five academic areas achieved collaborative learning participation rates of 70% or higher.
✗ Incorrect
- Compares to an irrelevant 70% threshold rather than the meaningful 25% baseline established in the passage