Constructivist Approaches + Effective Teachers

Question 1

What are the 4 key principals of Vygotsky’s theory of learning?

Answer 1

1. Social learning
2. Zone of proximal development
3. Cognitive apprenticeship
4. Mediated learning (scaffolding)

Question 2

Describe the “top down” approach to instruction and what it means in terms of what students are asked to do.

Answer 2

Students are given a task and must figure out or discover the solution, formula, or process.

Question 3

What are the 4 APA learner-centered psychological principles? Learners actively seek knowledge by: ____
(4 things)

Answer 3

• Reinterpreting information and experience for themselves
• Being motivated by knowledge rather than by grades
• Working with others to socially construct meaning
• Being aware of their own learning strategies to apply to new situations

Question 4

What are the 4 cognitive strategies employed by the reciprocal teaching procedure?

Answer 4

1. Questioning
2. Summarizing
3. Clarifying
4. Predicting

Question 5

Why was the reciprocal teaching method originally devised?

Answer 5

To help teach low-achieving students reading comprehension, especially students with learning disabilities.

Question 6

Describe the reciprocal teaching method.

Answer 6

Teachers initially model the procedures while giving instruction, then support students as they demonstrate the strategies.

Question 7

Describe the cooperative learning method.

Answer 7

Students are formed into small groups and are given a goal which requires them to cooperate.

Question 8

What is the cooperative learning method specifically trying to encourage students to do?

Answer 8

Work towards common goals and interact with each other.

Question 9

What are 3 helpful guidelines for introducing cooperative learning to the classroom?

Answer 9

1. Be respectful and kind
2. Support each other
3. Everyone has a turn to talk

OR Pre-select groups, monitor groups, give clear tasks, keep tasks short, require an end product, and more.

Question 10

What two conditions must be met for cooperative learning to be effective?

Answer 10

1. Recognition/reward must be given for positive behaviours
2. Students must be individually accountable for their work

Question 11

True or False: there is no significant impact on student behaviour when rules are set several weeks into the term vs at the beginning.

Answer 11

False. Kids suck and they will eat you alive if you don’t set expectations early.

Question 12

True or False: Teachers shouldn’t spend more than a single day outlining rules and procedures for the rest of the year.

Answer 12

False. Teachers should spend as long as they need to make sure that students understand the rules, procedures, and expectations for their classrooms.

Question 13

True or False: once the procedures for a class are established at the beginning of term, students will respect them for the rest of the year.

Answer 13

False. Kids are always looking for a chance to get away with shit, stay vigilant.