A middle school teacher wants to enable meaningful learning by helping students make connections between concepts and real-world applications. Which of the following activities would be an appropriate pedagogical strategy?

Correct option is C

Letting the students research on a current issue in small groups and present their findings to the class is an appropriate pedagogical strategy for enabling meaningful learning and helping students make connections between concepts and real-world applications. This strategy encourages active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration among students. By researching current issues, students are engaged in exploring and understanding concepts within a context that is relevant to their lives and the broader world. Presenting their findings to the class not only enhances their communication skills but also allows for the exchange of ideas and perspectives, further enriching the learning experience. This approach aligns with constructivist principles, which emphasize the importance of active involvement in learning and the construction of knowledge through real-world experiences.
Information Booster:
(a) Completing worksheets with multiple-choice questions might not facilitate the deep understanding and application of knowledge in real-world contexts, as it often focuses on recall of information.
(b) Learning by the method of stimulus-response conditioning focuses on behavior modification rather than understanding and applying concepts to real-world situations.
(d) Memorizing terms and definitions is a form of rote learning that does not necessarily involve understanding the application of these terms in real-life contexts, thus limiting the opportunity for meaningful learning.