Final answer:
Active engagement in learning typically leads to better retention and understanding than passive learning, and it is true that self-directed exploration can be highly effective. Recognizing one's knowledge gaps is also crucial for continued learning and avoiding misconceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to educational psychology and self-directed learning. It is suggested that active engagement and personal exploration in learning can lead to better retention and understanding of information, compared to passively waiting to be taught. The Socratic method emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own gaps in knowledge as a step towards deeper understanding. Participating in learning actively, as in the case of a beginning musician playing with more accomplished musicians, exposes learners to a range of proficiencies and models of expertise, facilitating growth and skill development (social cognitive theory). Moreover, the Dunning-Kruger effect warns against overestimating one's knowledge, suggesting that a conscious awareness of one's knowledge limits is crucial for continued learning and avoiding misinformation.
Answering the student's question, personal immersion in the learning process often leads to stronger learning outcomes. Therefore, the answer is: a) True. This approach aligns with educational research suggesting that active learning strategies contribute to better memory retention and skill acquisition.