What is a characteristic of indirect instruction?

The correct characteristic of indirect instruction focuses on the idea that it emphasizes student performance driven by internal motivations rather than external ones. Indirect instruction methods prioritize student engagement, exploration, and the development of critical thinking skills. This approach encourages learners to take ownership of their learning processes, fostering an intrinsic motivation to engage with the material.

Learners in an indirect instruction setting are often encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and investigate topics more freely, which highlights their interests, personal goals, and decision-making abilities—elements that are aligned with intrinsic motivation. In contrast, driving performance through external motives generally involves a more teacher-directed approach, which does not align with the essence of indirect instruction.

Thus, a key feature of indirect instruction is that it enables students to connect their learning to personal goals or interests, leading to a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the material, rather than just completing tasks for external recognition or rewards.