Which strategy is particularly effective for students to gain confidence in making connections in their learning?

Generative learning is effective for students to gain confidence in making connections in their learning because it involves actively processing and organizing information in a way that promotes deeper understanding. This approach encourages students to generate their own ideas, make connections to prior knowledge, and construct new meanings. By engaging in generative learning, students become more than passive recipients of information; they take an active role in their education.

This strategy enhances metacognitive skills as learners reflect on what they've learned and identify how it relates to other concepts. Consequently, students can build confidence as they articulate their understanding and apply their knowledge across different contexts. The satisfaction and success that come from making these connections can further reinforce their motivation and commitment to learning.

In contrast, direct instruction tends to be more teacher-centered, peer collaboration can rely on the level of interaction among students, and standardized assessments primarily measure outcomes rather than the processes of learning and connection-making. While these methods have their merits, they do not specifically foster the same depth of independent and creative thought that generative learning promotes.