FTCE Physical Education K-12 Practice Test

When assessing motor ability, which approach is typically used?

1. Observation of teamwork

2. Skills tests for accuracy

3. Written examinations

4. Physical fitness testing

The correct answer is: Skills tests for accuracy

The choice of skills tests for accuracy is the most appropriate when assessing motor ability because it directly evaluates an individual's capacity to perform specific motor skills. Skills tests often focus on how well a person can execute particular movements, demonstrating coordination, balance, and control, which are fundamental components of motor ability. This approach allows educators to objectively measure performance based on standardized criteria, such as the precision of a throw or the correctness of a dance step. By providing quantitative data, skills tests can help in identifying strengths and areas for improvement in a student's motor abilities. In contrast, the other approaches, while they may be valuable in different contexts, do not primarily focus on motor ability. For example, observation of teamwork emphasizes collaboration and social skills rather than individual motor skills. Written examinations generally assess theoretical knowledge rather than practical motor performance, and physical fitness testing often evaluates overall fitness levels rather than specific motor skills.