UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

NEP 2020 highlights peer tutoring as a low-cost, effective strategy, particularly for foundational literacy and numeracy. Older or more advanced students can assist others under a teacher’s supervision, making learning more personalised and collaborative.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because NEP explicitly notes that peer tutoring can be effective; it does not advise avoiding it.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it matches NEP’s recommendation to use peer support, especially for FLN, under proper teacher guidance.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since NEP does not propose replacing teachers; peer tutoring is meant to supplement, not substitute, teacher-led instruction.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because peer tutoring can be useful at various levels, including school education, not only in higher education.

Shared goals and group-based evaluation reflect positive interdependence and group accountability—key features of cooperative learning.

Option A:
Cooperative learning emphasises teamwork, shared goals and group accountability, matching the stem.

Option B:
Competitive learning focuses on outperforming others, not shared goals/group evaluation.

Option C:
Individualistic learning emphasises independent work without shared group outcomes.

Option D:
Authoritarian is a control style, not a group learning structure.

Option C – cooperative learning Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy in which students work in small groups to accomplish shared goals, with each member responsible for both their own learning and that of their peers. Positive interdependence and individual accountability are key features of this approach. It promotes social skills, mutual support and deeper understanding through discussion and explanation. Therefore, the activity described in the stem is an example of cooperative learning.

Option A:
Competitive learning structures emphasize ranking students against each other, where success for one often implies failure for another. In such settings, group members may withhold help to maintain personal advantage. This is opposite to the spirit of working together toward shared goals, so competitive learning is not a correct label here.

Option B:
Remedial learning focuses on addressing specific deficiencies or learning gaps, typically through extra support or targeted instruction. While remedial sessions can be organized in groups, they are not defined by mutual goal achievement in the same way cooperative learning is. Thus, remedial learning does not fully capture the idea in the question.

Option C:
Cooperative learning designs tasks that can only be successfully completed when group members coordinate efforts, share ideas and assist one another. Each student’s contribution is valued, and the group’s success depends on collective performance. Because the stem highlights students working together toward shared learning goals, this option accurately names the type of learning involved.

Option D:
Individualistic learning describes situations where students work alone and are evaluated solely on their own performance, without interdependence on peers. Although important at times, it does not involve the collaborative, group-based nature of the activity mentioned in the question.

Collaborative learning involves students working together in small groups to achieve common learning goals. They share ideas,divide tasks and support each other’s understanding. Encouraging cooperative group work is a direct example of this approach. Therefore,the type of learning promoted in the stem is collaborative learning.

Option A:
Competitive learning environments emphasise outperforming others and often limit sharing of ideas,which is opposite to cooperative group work.

Option B:
Collaborative learning values joint responsibility and mutual support rather than solitary effort,which fits the teacher’s encouragement of group work described in the question.

Option C:
Individualistic learning stresses working alone on tasks and being evaluated independently without much peer interaction.

Option D:
Rote learning focuses on memorisation and repetition without meaningful collaboration or discussion.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct features of cooperative and peer learning. A is true because tasks are designed so students depend on each other’s success. B is true as each member is still accountable, C is true since peers explain and clarify ideas, and E is true because teachers must structure tasks and monitor group work. D is false because mixed-ability groups are usually encouraged, and F is false since well-managed cooperative learning reduces social loafing rather than guarantees it. Thus A, B, C and E only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A omits E, failing to highlight the essential teacher role in planning and monitoring cooperative work. As E is also correct, A, B and C only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B introduces D along with A, B and C, but D promotes grouping only high achievers, which conflicts with the inclusive philosophy of cooperative learning. Therefore A, B, C and D only cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C includes A, B, C and E, combining interdependence, accountability, peer explanation and teacher structuring, while excluding D and F, which misrepresent grouping and outcomes. This makes A, B, C and E only the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D includes F, which asserts that social loafing is inevitable, ignoring the control strategies built into cooperative models. Consequently B, C, E and F only mixes true and false statements and is not valid.

Statements A, B and D are correct, while C and E are incorrect. A is true because respect validates student contributions and reduces fear. B is true as sensitive humour can ease anxiety and make interaction more natural. D is true since cooperative tasks foster peer support and positive relationships. C is false because ridiculing errors discourages sharing and damages trust, and E is false because overly rigid rules without student voice often create a hostile climate. Therefore, A, B and D only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A combines A, B and D, highlighting respect, appropriate humour and cooperative activities as pillars of a positive climate. It excludes C and E, which involve ridicule and excessive rigidity, both harmful to open communication. Because it includes all and only the true statements, this option is correct.

Option B:
Option B lists A and B only and ignores D, missing the contribution of cooperative learning to improving relationships and communication. Without D, A and B only does not present a complete picture of climate-building strategies.

Option C:
Option C offers B, D and E, but E wrongly claims that inflexible rules always improve climate, contradicting research on autonomy and engagement. Inclusion of E makes B, D and E only an invalid set of correct statements.

Option D:
Option D includes A, D and E, but again E is incorrect; thus A, D and E only mixes correct and incorrect ideas and cannot be accepted.