Interactive nature of teaching – UGC NET Question

Option D – interactive Modern conceptions of teaching emphasize that it is not simply a teacher speaking and students listening, but a dynamic exchange of ideas and responses. In interactive teaching, teachers adjust their explanations based on learner feedback, and students construct understanding through questioning and discussion. This mutual influence improves clarity and engagement compared to one-way lecturing. Therefore, describing teaching as a two-way process is best captured by calling it interactive in nature.

Option A:
Option A, one-way, suggests a linear flow of information from teacher to students without meaningful feedback or participation. Such a model ignores the influence that learners’ questions, expressions and prior knowledge have on the direction of teaching. Since the stem specifically mentions a process in which both teacher and students influence each other, a one-way description is inappropriate.

Option B:
Option B, mechanical, implies rigid, routine performance of teaching tasks without sensitivity to learner needs or classroom context. Mechanical teaching often lacks the flexibility and responsiveness that characterize true interaction. Thus, this term does not reflect the dynamic exchange highlighted in the question.

Option C:
Option C, authoritarian, refers to a style in which the teacher exercises strict control, expects obedience and gives little opportunity for student input. This style tends to restrict interaction rather than encourage it and can stifle student voice. For that reason, authoritarian is not consistent with the two-way influence described in the stem.

Option D:
Option D, interactive, directly denotes a situation where messages, ideas and responses move back and forth between participants. In an interactive classroom, both teachers and students contribute to shaping the lesson. Because the stem emphasizes mutual influence, interactive nature correctly completes the statement.