While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: Traditional lecture-based teaching has been the standard approach in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Traditional lecture-based teaching has been the standard approach in many high schools for decades.
- Since 2018, over fifty schools nationwide have adopted project-based learning curricula.
- Lincoln High School in Oregon switched to project-based learning after standardized test scores ranked among the lowest in the state.
- The new curriculum emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications.
- Students report higher engagement levels and improved critical thinking skills.
- Teachers observe that students demonstrate greater ownership of their learning.
The student wants to explain a trend in educational outcomes. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Adopting project-based learning can enhance student engagement and critical thinking, as demonstrated when Lincoln High School transitioned from traditional methods to emphasize collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications.
Lincoln High School is among over fifty schools that have adopted project-based learning since 2018.
Over fifty schools have adopted project-based learning, including Lincoln High School, whose test scores had ranked among the lowest in the state.
After ranking among the lowest in standardized test scores, Lincoln High School adopted project-based learning to emphasize collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Traditional lecture-based teaching has been the standard approach in many high schools for decades." |
|
| "Since 2018, over fifty schools nationwide have adopted project-based learning curricula." |
|
| "Lincoln High School in Oregon switched to project-based learning after standardized test scores ranked among the lowest in the state." |
|
| "The new curriculum emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications." |
|
| "Students report higher engagement levels and improved critical thinking skills." |
|
| "Teachers observe that students demonstrate greater ownership of their learning." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Schools are increasingly adopting project-based learning as an alternative to traditional teaching methods, with documented positive outcomes.
Argument Flow: The notes establish traditional lecture-based teaching as the historical norm, then present the recent trend of schools adopting project-based learning. Lincoln High School is used as a specific example of this transition, motivated by poor test performance. The notes conclude with evidence of positive educational outcomes from both student and teacher perspectives.
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
- The question specifically asks us to explain "a trend in educational outcomes"
- This means we need an answer that connects educational changes to their results/effects
- Shows what outcomes are happening as a trend
- Uses specific information from the notes about results (engagement, critical thinking, ownership)
- Demonstrates causation or correlation between the educational approach and outcomes
- The notes give us both the trend (schools adopting PBL) and the outcomes (higher engagement, improved critical thinking, greater ownership)
- The right answer should link these together rather than just describing the adoption without the results
Adopting project-based learning can enhance student engagement and critical thinking, as demonstrated when Lincoln High School transitioned from traditional methods to emphasize collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications.
- Directly explains outcomes - it states that "adopting project-based learning can enhance student engagement and critical thinking" and uses Lincoln High School as evidence
- It connects the educational approach to the results
- Perfectly matches our prethinking by explaining the trend in outcomes
Lincoln High School is among over fifty schools that have adopted project-based learning since 2018.
- Simply states that Lincoln is one of fifty schools that adopted PBL
- Describes the adoption trend but explains no outcomes whatsoever
- Doesn't address what the question asks for - educational outcomes
Over fifty schools have adopted project-based learning, including Lincoln High School, whose test scores had ranked among the lowest in the state.
- Mentions the adoption by fifty schools and Lincoln's low test scores
- Provides context but explains no educational outcomes or results
- Focuses on the problem rather than the solution's effects
After ranking among the lowest in standardized test scores, Lincoln High School adopted project-based learning to emphasize collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications.
- Describes Lincoln's situation and what they did in response
- Explains the reason for adoption and the approach taken but completely omits any mention of outcomes or results