Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What type of thinking does Mr. Voran promote by asking students to make judgments about a character's guilt or innocence?

1. Critical thinking

2. Divergent thinking

3. Convergent thinking

4. Logical reasoning

The correct answer is: Divergent thinking

Mr. Voran is promoting critical thinking by asking students to make judgments about a character's guilt or innocence. This type of thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating different perspectives, and weighing evidence before reaching a conclusion. In this scenario, students must engage with the material by considering various viewpoints, understanding the motivations and actions of the character, and assessing the impact of those actions. This process fosters deeper understanding and encourages students to form well-reasoned opinions based on the evidence presented in the narrative. The nature of making judgments about guilt or innocence directly requires students to think critically rather than just recalling facts or applying memorized information. Divergent thinking focuses on generating multiple ideas or solutions rather than narrowing down to a single judgment, which is not the primary aim when establishing guilt or innocence. Conversely, convergent thinking is more about arriving at a single correct answer to a question or problem; while logical reasoning involves structured processes to reach conclusions, the emphasis in Mr. Voran's task on judgment leans more toward critical analysis and interpretation of complex themes.