National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Which scenario exemplifies schema testing in a classroom setting?

1. A teacher asks students to find examples of figurative language.

2. A teacher models assigning oxidation numbers before practice.

3. A teacher facilitates group research on national debt.

4. A teacher differentiates math instruction for ability groups.

The correct answer is: A teacher asks students to find examples of figurative language.

Schema testing involves assessing students' existing knowledge and understanding, often by prompting them to use or apply that knowledge in a relevant context. The scenario where a teacher asks students to find examples of figurative language is a clear illustration of this concept. In this instance, the teacher is encouraging students to activate their prior understanding of figurative language and apply that knowledge to identify real-world or textual examples. This not only demonstrates their comprehension but also tests the robustness of their schema regarding figurative language. The act of finding examples requires students to engage actively with their previous learning, thereby revealing how well they can retrieve and apply the concepts they have been taught. This aligns closely with schema testing, as it examines the connection between their prior knowledge and new learning opportunities.