Chapter 12

Question 1

What does information processing theory compare human thinking to?

Answer 1

Computers
Like computers, people sense and perceive large amounts of information (inputs). They analyze it (like software). They express their conclusions (outputs) so another person can understand (as a network and printer would do).

Question 2

Concrete Operational Thought

Answer 2

Piaget’s term for the ability to reason logically about direct experiences and perceptions. Children can think logically about the physical, visible world around them

Question 3

Classification

Answer 3

The logical principle that things can be organized into groups
Ex: Family, animals, 20-29 are all in the 20s
Later research shows that pre-operational children can do basic classifications

Question 4

Seriation

Answer 4

The knowledge that things that be arranged in a logical series. Sequences.
Ex: 134 is less that 135 or 143

Question 5

How does the concrete operational stage allow for increased understanding of math concepts?

Answer 5

The understanding of conservation and reversibility helps the understanding of math concepts

Question 6

What is the main difference between Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories of learning?

Answer 6

Piaget described universal changes. Vygotsky noted cultural impact.
Ex: A flower blooms by itself, regardless of what other flowers are doing (Piaget) Flowers need pollination from other flowers (Vygotsky)

Question 7

What is the sentence

Answer 7

Mentors help apprentices in learning to master skills within the zone of proximal development using scaffolding and guided participation to pass on tools of their culture

Question 8

How does information processing theory relate to Piaget’s cognitive theory?

Answer 8

Information processing theory is the modern update to Piaget’s cognitive theory

Question 9

How do cognitive theory and information processing theory differ in terms of math concepts?

Answer 9

Children don’t just suddenly grasp the logic of the number system, as Piaget expected
Math comes gradually with new and better strategies for calculation tried, ignored, half-used, and finally adopted

Question 10

What are hubs and what do they enable?

Answer 10

Location in the brain where massive numbers of axons meet, usually near the corpus callosum. Crucial to the development of reading skills

Question 11

Automatization

Answer 11

When you do something over and over so it becomes so routine you don’t have to think about it
The process in which the repetition of a sequence of thoughts and actions makes the sequence routine so that it no longer requires conscious thought. Ex: Speaking, reading, math

Question 12

Knowledge base

Answer 12

A body of knowledge in a particular area that makes it easier to master new information in that area

Question 13

What 3 factors increase the knowledge base most?

Answer 13

Past experience, current opportunity, personal motivation

Question 14

What are control processes?

Answer 14

They regulate the analysis and flow of info within the brain.
Ex: Selective attention, metacognition, emotional regulation
Also called executive processes, and the ability to use them is called executive function

Question 15

Metacognition

Answer 15

Thinking about thinking
Ex: Thinking about how you can improve your spelling, or thinking about improving your thinking process

Question 16

School-age children can learn up to how many words per day?

Answer 16

20. They also learn different meanings for the same words

Question 17

Language aqcuisition can be helped by increases in:

Answer 17

Logic, memory, speed of thinking

Question 18

Metaphor

Answer 18

Once thing represents another.
Ex: Couch potato or She is a Lazy Sloth. Night Owl, Early Bird

Question 19

Pragmatics

Answer 19

Adjusting your speech to your audience. You talk differently to your teacher than to your friends
Formal code: Used when we talk to someone above us
Informal code: Used when we talk to someone at our level

Question 20

What percentage of school-age children speak a language other than English at home?

Answer 20

25% 1/4

Question 21

ELLs?

Answer 21

English Language Learners: Children who are learning english as a second language

Question 22

Immersion language learning

Answer 22

Instruction occurs completely in the second language. Just thrown into it

Question 23

Bilingual education

Answer 23

Instruction is in both the original and the second language

Question 24

ESL education

Answer 24

Children who don’t speak English are placed together and given an intensive course in basic English. They then return to the regular classroom

Question 25

Relationship between SES and language learning?

Answer 25

Children from lower SES have smaller vocab and simpler grammar

Question 26

Hidden curriculum

Answer 26

All the implicit values and assumptions of the school
Ex: Teacher characteristics, teaching methods, discipline, extra-curricular activities
Just the school environment. The vibe.

Question 27

TIMSS

Answer 27

Trends in Math and Science Study. It is an international test.
US ranks 10/21 countries who use the test

Question 28

PIRLS

Answer 28

Progress in International Reading and Literacy study. Another international test

Question 29

Problems with international comparisons of school-age children?

Answer 29

Cultural differences make it hard to create fair questions. Some nations are more economically and culturally diverse than others

Question 30

Gender differences in academic achievement

Answer 30

Girls used to be ahead of boys, but now gender differences have virtually disappeared

Question 31

Vouchers

Answer 31

Tax-rebates for non-public education

Question 32

Charter schools?

Answer 32

A public school funded by the state with a specific mission or emphasis
Ex: Science and Tech

Question 33

Homeschooling?

Answer 33

Parent-driven education that takes place outside of schools. Popular and legal in all 50 states
Driven by concerns about safety, values, and quality of education

Question 34

Social interaction and homeschooling

Answer 34

Use co-ops and extracurricular activities

Question 35

Online schooling

Answer 35

A good option for parents who want to home school but don’t feel confident they can or don’t have time.

Question 36

How many children just go to the local public school?

Answer 36

2/3. Most people are happy with their local school.