Module 7: Introduction to Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the name of the theory of intelligence that postulates that intelligence consists of several abilities and talents that are independent and unrelated to each other?
A) The informational processing theory of intelligence
B) Cognitivist intelligence theory
C) The behavioral theory of intelligence
D) Multiple intelligence theory
D) Multiple intelligence theory
Howard Gardner believed that all people have numerous (or multiple) intelligences and that people learn best when incorporating multiple senses while learning.
What do developmental theories focus on?
how children grow and change, and how their interactions with others and the world have an effect on their physical growth, cognition, social and emotional skills, and language
What do learning theories focus on?
specifically on how children (and adults) learn and gain knowledge and skills
What is Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence?
-Analytical
-Creative
-Practical
Different intelligences are independent of each other
What is the analytical intelligence presented by Sternberg?
Componential
the ability to solve problems of logic, verbal comprehension, vocab, and spatial abilities. Reading supports analytical intelligence
Ability to look at things from multiple angles, different sides, pro and cons
What is the creative intelligence presented by Sternberg?
Experiential
the ability to apply newly found skills to novel situations. building with blocks shows creative intelligence
Ability to think outside the box
What is the practical intelligence presented by Sternberg?
Contextual
the ability to use common sense and to know what is called for in a situation. navigating social settings is practical intelligence
Ability in street smarts
What is Spearman’s General Intelligence Theory?
General intelligence also called G Factor
Test is made up of Specific Factors (S Factor)
Single type of intelligence (you are either smart or not)
What is Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
there are many types of intelligence
different intelligences are independent of each other
What are Gardner’s Common types of intelligences?
Name at least 3
- Linguistic
- Logical-mathematical
- Spatial
- Musical
- Naturalistic
- Bodily-kinesthetic or kinesthetic
- Existential
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
What is Spearman’s concept of the g factor?
A) A general intelligence factor is the basis of all cognitive processes and performance.
B) Intelligence increases in direct proportion to the amount of schooling one receives.
C) Environment and culture are the dominant influences on intelligence.
D) Intelligence can be measured very accurately using individualized intelligence tests.
A) A general intelligence factor is the basis of all cognitive processes and performance.
Spearman thought that people have a general ability that is used in a wide variety of situations.
Match the type of intelligence described by Sternberg with the student who is displaying it. (Practical, Analytical, Creative)
Charlotte has earned 100 percent on each algebra test she has taken this quarter.
Analytical
Charlotte is using her academic abilities here to solve well-defined problems.
Match the type of intelligence described by Sternberg with the student who is displaying it. (Practical, Analytical, Creative)
Mateo was using a recipe that called for buttermilk. When he found no buttermilk in the refrigerator, he added a little lemon juice to regular milk and his recipe turned out fine.
Creative
Mateo had to adapt quickly to a novel situation.
Match the type of intelligence described by Sternberg with the student who is displaying it. (Practical, Analytical, Creative)
When her computer froze, Eva knew to hit Ctrl-Alt-Del to reboot the hard drive.
Practical
Eva used what she already knew to respond to a typical problem people often face.
A teacher assigns six students to write and perform a short play dramatizing the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Which three types of Gardner’s intelligences is the teacher incorporating into this lesson?
A) Musical
B) Intrapersonal
C) Bodily-kinesthetic
D) Linguistic
E) Interpersonal
F) Logical-mathematical
C) Bodily-kinesthetic
D) Linguistic
E) Interpersonal
The students will work together (interpersonal) to write a script (linguistic) and then act out the play for the class (bodily-kinesthetic).
What two conditionings are used in the behavioral learning theory?
Classical and operant
What is classical conditioning pertaining to the behavioral learning theory?
train your students to do something. example: When i clap hands students go line up at the door
What is operant conditioning pertaining to the behavioral learning theory?
behavioral learning theory (Skinner)
Positive reinforcement: I give you something and make you happy
Negative reinforcement: I take away something and make you happy
Positive punishment: I give you something and make you sad
Negative punishment: I take away something and make you sad
Generalization: keep the behavior when the situation changes
Discrimination: Change the behavior when the situation changes
Shaping: Positive reinforcement every time you are close to the correct behavior
Extinction: I ignore you and make you sad
Instructional Strategies of the behavioral learning theory
Teacher-centered/Teacher-directed
- Direct instruction (lectures, readings, scripted instruction)
- Practice
- Feedback
- Reinforcement
*best for the basics of reading, writing, and math
Mastery Teaching or the Effective Teaching Model
What is Mastery Teaching or the Effective Teaching Model
Type of direct instruction
- prepare students to learn
- present information clearly and explicitly
- check for understanding and give guided practice
- provide for independent practice
Classical conditioning involves a neutral stimulus becoming a conditioned response because of __
A) continuous pairings
B) habits
C) corrective feedback
A) continuous pairings
Continuously pairing a neutral stimulus with an outcome creates a conditioned response.
What are the two main types of consequences in operant conditioning?
A) Reinforcement and punishment
B) Shaping and discrimination
C) Extinction and recovery
D) Conditioned responses and repeating pairings
A) Reinforcement and punishment
The two main consequences in operant conditioning are reinforcement and punishment. Operant conditioning states that learning is a learned association between a behavior and a consequence. According to operant conditioning theory, people learn to associate consequences (both positive and negative) with behavior, and those consequences modify behavior.
Identify whether the situation describes an idea related to classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
A teacher who had previously allowed students to “shout out” answers in class without raising their hands begins to completely ignore students who speak without raising hands. Within a few days, students no longer “shout out” answers.
Operant
This is the practice of extinction, which is a operant conditioning concept. Extinction is the practice of refusing to reward unwanted behavior until the behavior stops.
Identify whether the situation describes an idea related to classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
A teacher asks a question about the number of U.S. senators and a student responds with the answer, “Eighty.” The teacher says, “That’s so close but not quite correct. If there are 50 states and two senators from each state, how many senators are there?” The student then replies, “One hundred.”
Operant
This is an example of shaping, which does not fit into the classical conditioning model. Shaping is the process of reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a desired behavior.
Identify whether the situation describes an idea related to classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
A teacher tells the class that every student who scores above 90 percent on the test will receive a candy bar. Students studied extra hard in hopes of earning candy.
Operant
Exhibiting a certain behavior to earn a reward is an example of operant conditioning. In this example, the candy bar served as a positive reinforcement for students to increase study time.
Identify whether the situation describes an idea related to classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
An eighth-grade student was coming down with the flu on the morning he had to give a speech in his English class. He became violently ill during the speech. Years later, in college, he still suffered from feelings of nausea just before he engaged in any type of public speaking.
Classical
The connection of a feeling of nausea and public speaking is an example of classical conditioning. Operant conditioning is a learned association between a behavior and a consequence. This example is better explained through classical conditioning, because it involves a physical reflex (vomiting). Operant conditioning is typically not associated with reflexes.
Which content areas could be improved through direct instruction? (would benefit from direct instruction or would not benefit from direct instruction)
Improving reading instruction
Would Benefit
Direct instruction has been shown to improve reading instruction. Direct instruction is based on behavioral theory that often relies on “drill and practice” to ensure that learning takes place. Behavioral learning techniques have been proven to be most effective when the focus is on memorization and there is one right answer.
Which content areas could be improved through direct instruction? (would benefit from direct instruction or would not benefit from direct instruction)
Improving reading comprehension
Would Benefit
Direct instruction has been shown to improve reading comprehension. There are step-by-step instructional techniques that improve reading comprehension skills. Those step-by-step techniques are firmly grounded in behavioral learning theory.
Which content areas could be improved through direct instruction? (would benefit from direct instruction or would not benefit from direct instruction)
Improving vocabulary
Would Benefit
Direct instruction has been shown to improve vocabulary. Vocabulary skills are often improved by using DI techniques such as flash cards, which is a common technique that is aligned with behavioral theory.
Which content areas could be improved through direct instruction? (would benefit from direct instruction or would not benefit from direct instruction)
Improving social skills
Would NOT Benefit
Direct instruction has not been shown to improve social skills.
What is the cognitivist learning theory?
-Getting info into the brain and pulling it back out
-more teacher-centered/teacher-directed
-two pieces to this theory: social cognitivism and information processing system
Explain social cognitivism learning theory
originally called Social Learning Theory
(Bandura-learn through modeling)
Self-Efficacy
-remind students of previous accomplishment
-verbal encouragement/praise/positive reinforcement
-support
Explain information processing system pertaining to the cognitivist learning theory
- encoding
- sensory memory
- short term memory (STM)
- working memory: memory enhancing strategies-rehearsal, chunking, mnemonic devices
- long term memory (LTM): explicit memories and implicit memories (storage and retrieval)
True or False
The length of sensory memory is the same regardless of the modality of the information coming into the central nervous system.
False
For example, visual information lasts only about a half second, while auditory information lasts up to three or four seconds.
Match the type of memory with the student who is using it. (Working, Implicit, Explicit)
Talia took a geography test on state capitals today and got 48 out of 50 correct. She could not remember the capitals of Alaska and Maine.
Explicit
Talia remembered what she learned in class. She was able to consciously recall almost all of the state capitals.
Match the type of memory with the student who is using it. (Working, Implicit, Explicit)
When Daniel writes in his journal, he does not think about how to form the different letters with his pencil as he records his ideas. He just writes without “remembering” how to do so.
Implicit
Daniel does not purposely remember how to write when he jots down ideas in his journal. The “memory” of how to form the letters does not even come into his awareness.
Match the type of memory with the student who is using it. (Working, Implicit, Explicit)
Diego needed some paint and brushes from the art supplies locker. His teacher gave him the combination to the locker. Diego remembered the combination just long enough to retrieve what he needed. Within a couple of minutes, he had forgotten it.
Working
Working memory is a kind of short-term memory that temporarily holds information available for processing.
What can a teacher do to increase students’ self-efficacy or belief in their own abilities?
A) Make sure students do not have to do difficult work.
B) Increase opportunities for collaborative work in the classroom.
C) Encourage students to make more friends.
D) Compare students’ current improved performance with their previous performance.
D) Compare students’ current improved performance with their previous performance.
Showing students that they have made improvements in their work can increase self-efficacy.
What is metacognitive knowledge?
self-awareness / self-assessment
important for critical thinking skills
three processes:
1. Planning
2. Tracking
3. Assessing
What is Metacognitive Skills?
Study Skills
-mnemonics
-concept mapping
-outlining information
-note taking
-advance organizers
What does metacognition encourage students to do?
A) Reflect on what they have learned.
B) Ask for clarification before heading down the wrong path.
C) Focus only on whether the answer was correct or incorrect.
D) Work quickly before they become mentally fatigued.
A) Reflect on what they have learned.
An important component of metacognition is self-reflection.
What are some strategies of the cognitivist learning theory?
-trivia style games
-concept mapping
-mnemonics
-attention getting devices (dressing up for students, the narrative, visuals, underlining, highlighting, color coding)
-reciprocal teaching/reciprocal questioning
-teaching metacognitive skills
-working to improve student self-efficacy
-mastery learning
What is the humanistic learning theory?
Concerned with the entire human. they need to want to learn (intrinsic/extrinsic motivation)
caring about how the student “feels”, the theory you want to wrap in a hug
two theorist: Dweck and Maslow
What is Carol Dweck’s two mindsets?
Fixed: performance-goal oriented. intelligence is fixed. you are born with certain abilities
Growth: learning-goal oriented. intelligence is not fixed. everyone is capable of learning
What are some instructional strategies of the humanistic learning theory
-providing choices/selection/exploration
-providing breaks for students
-explaining the “why” to students/explaining how the information relates to the students
-checking in with students
-providing a safe environment where everyone is courtesy and respectful
-having fun, exciting, and creative lessons
True or False
Maslow and other humanistic psychologists believe that students are self-motivated to improve because they want to reach self-actualization.
True
Though Maslow believed that self-actualization was not possible until more basic needs have been met, like other humanistic psychologists, he theorized that people are all motivated to self-actualize.
Which actions by an elementary school teacher would help satisfy a basic need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A teacher always has peanut butter crackers in their desk for hungry students.
Would meet a basic need
Teachers must attend to physiological needs like hunger before students will be able to strive toward maximizing their academic skills.
Which actions by an elementary school teacher would help satisfy a basic need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A teacher makes it a point to “check in” with all students to make sure they have a safe place to go after school.
Would meet a basic need
Making sure students have a safe and secure place to go after school will help satisfy their safety needs. Those needs must be satisfied before self-actualization can occur.
Which actions by an elementary school teacher would help satisfy a basic need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A teacher calls parents when students are not completing homework.
Would NOT meet a basic need
While homework completion is important, it is not considered a basic need. Maslow’s model postulated that basic needs must be satisfied before students can focus their attention on academics.
Which actions by an elementary school teacher would help satisfy a basic need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A teacher allows for extra credit points for students who are receiving a failing grade in class.
Would NOT meet a basic need
According to Maslow’s model, things like extra credit will not motivate students when they have concerns about physiological and safety needs.
What is the correct order for the basic model of motivation?
A) Needs > goals and achievement > behavior action
B) Goals and achievement > needs > behavior action
C) Behavior action > needs > goals and achievement
D) Needs > behavior action > goals and achievement
D) Needs > behavior action > goals and achievement
Needs precede action; action precedes achievement.
What is an intrinsic motivation?
A) A second-grade student reads as many books about dinosaurs as she can find because she wants to learn all about dinosaurs.
B) A fifth grader memorizes this week’s spelling words so she can get an A on tomorrow’s spelling test.
C) An eighth-grade student enters a drawing in a school art contest in hopes of winning the $50 first prize.
D) A high school junior runs for class president so his teachers and peers will think he has leadership potential.
A) A second-grade student reads as many books about dinosaurs as she can find because she wants to learn all about dinosaurs.
Curiosity is an intrinsic (internal) motivation.
Which teacher behavior promotes growth mindset?
A) Creating a supportive environment that coaches students to succeed
B) Rewarding students for getting good grades
C) Creating an environment where mistakes are met with open criticism and public embarrassment
D) Punishing students who score low on an assignment
A) Creating a supportive environment that coaches students to succeed
A teacher who truly believes students will be successful creates a growth mindset.
What are three learning models?
Teacher-directed / teacher-centered (Behaviorism)
Student-led / student-centered (Constructivism)
Blended Learning (Constructivism)
what is the teacher-directed/teacher centered learning?
-direct instruction
-practice
-feedback
-reinforcement
What is student-led/student centered learning?
-inquiry based learning
-project based learning
-cooperative learning
-collaborative learning
What is blended learning?
-station rotation (will not have to physically leave the room)
-lab rotation (will have to physically leave the room)
-flex model (flex groups based on who needs the teacher)
-rotation model is the most common type
What is the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning
Cooperative:
-students of mixed abilities grouped together
-students work in groups on a structured activity
-students are assigned the role of scribe, inquirer, speaker, or manager
-instruction is teacher-led
-focus is on the product more than the process
Collaborative:
-Students of similar abilities are grouped together
-students work in groups to explore a significant question
-instruction is student-led
-focus is on the process more than the product
True or False
Cooperative and collaborative learning experiences generally result in increased student achievement.
True
Numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of cooperative and collaborative learning.
Match the collaborative learning role with the student who is performing that role. (Scribe, Speaker, Inquirer)
This student writes down the group’s ideas as group members come up with them.
Scribe
The scribe writes down what the group is thinking.
Match the collaborative learning role with the student who is performing that role. (Scribe, Speaker, Inquirer)
This student presents the group’s findings to the teacher and class.
Speaker
The speaker is the student who communicates the information to the teacher and class.
Match the collaborative learning role with the student who is performing that role. (Scribe, Speaker, Inquirer)
This student asks the teacher for clarification of the assignment as needed.
Inquirer
The inquirer asks the teacher questions as they arise during the assignment.
Which concepts are true of the cooperative learning model, and which are true of the collaborative learning model?
Learners of different ability levels work together.
Cooperative
Cooperative learning models typically include students who have “mixed abilities,” meaning they have different learning styles and academic strengths.
Which concepts are true of the cooperative learning model, and which are true of the collaborative learning model?
Learning focuses on exploring a question.
Collaborative
The collaborative model encourages students to explore a question without much structure or guidance. By contrast, the cooperative learning model is typically a structured learning activity.
Which concepts are true of the cooperative learning model, and which are true of the collaborative learning model?
Learning activities are typically led by a teacher.
Cooperative
Cooperative learning is teacher-led, because the activity is structured and guided by the instructor.
Which concepts are true of the cooperative learning model, and which are true of the collaborative learning model?
Learning activities focus on the process of learning more than the final product.
Collaborative
In collaborative learning, process is emphasized over product. Cooperative learning emphasizes product over process.
True or False
Within a classroom, students begin with teacher-led instruction, then move to collaborative activities and stations before moving yet again to computer stations and online learning.
This classroom is set up in the flex model.
False
The classroom is set up in the station rotation model. In the flex model, students do not rotate within a given classroom—they rotate out to a learning lab to do their online learning.
What is a key advantage of project-based learning (PBL)?
A) PBL is less expensive than other instructional methods.
B) PBL is quicker than direct instruction.
C) PBL allows students to test their critical thinking and tackle difficult problems.
D) PBL typically translates into an immediate increase in students’ test scores.
C) PBL allows students to test their critical thinking and tackle difficult problems.
What is the Constructivist Learning theory
Builders, students are constantly building on their prior knowledge (build on our schema)
-interaction is key
-Piaget and Vygotsky
-student-led/student centered learning
-problem solving and critical thinking skills are used
-learning is focused on mastery and deep understanding
What is the cognitive side of constructivism learning theory
-goes with Piaget
-interaction through experience
-hands on learning
-real work/authentic learning
What is the social side of constructivism learning theory
-goes with Vygotsky
-interactions with others
-more knowledgeable others
-zone of proximal development with scaffolding
-multiple viewpoints
What are the instructional strategies of the constructivist learning theory
-hands on learning / field trips
-real world / authentic / interactive learning
-multiple viewpoints
-buddy pairs / group work / social interaction
-centers / stations
- scaffolding in the zone of proximal development
-project based learning / inquiry based learning
-cooperative learning / collaborative learning
Which instructional practice reflects a belief in the theory of constructivist teaching?
A) An elementary school teacher presents a list of words to students and asks them to memorize them for tomorrow’s spelling test. The teacher says that students who spell all the words correctly will receive a treat.
B) A math teacher shows students one way of solving an algebraic equation. Then the teacher challenges students to think of two additional ways to solve the same equation.
C) An English teacher assigns all students the same paper topic.
D) An elementary teacher asks students to measure the length of 10 things in the classroom and report the results.
B) A math teacher shows students one way of solving an algebraic equation. Then the teacher challenges students to think of two additional ways to solve the same equation.
Encouraging divergent problem solving is an instructional technique that supports the theory of constructivism.
What is a key advantage of project-based learning (PBL)?
A) PBL allows students to test their critical thinking and tackle difficult problems.
B) PBL is less expensive than other instructional methods.
C) PBL typically translates into an immediate increase in students’ test scores.
D) PBL is quicker than direct instruction.
A) PBL allows students to test their critical thinking and tackle difficult problems.
PBL allows students to engage in critical thinking and examine difficult problems.
Which statement about inquiry-based learning is correct?
A) The inquiry approach is a closed system where information is filtered through layers to students.
B) The emphasis is mainly on “what we know,” not on “how we come to know.”
C) The inquiry approach focuses on using and learning content to develop information-processing and problem-solving skills.
D) Lesson plans are used to organize the various steps in the learning process for the whole-class approach.
C) The inquiry approach focuses on using and learning content to develop information-processing and problem-solving skills.
Inquiry-based learning is more student centered; the teacher acts as a facilitator of learning rather than as an expert dispensing information.
A middle school science teacher is using the inquiry approach as she discusses the internal structure of the Earth.
Which question should she ask her students?
A) “What is Earth’s outer core composed of?”
B) “What is the first layer of the Earth called?”
C) “How do we know which layer of Earth is the hottest?”
D) “Which is the thickest layer of the Earth?”
C) “How do we know which layer of Earth is the hottest?”
Open-ended questions lead to deeper inquiry and more rigorous classroom discussion than closed-ended questions.
Which type of intelligence is demonstrated when individuals who score high in one type of intelligence test are likely to do well on other intelligence tests?
A) Successful intelligence
B) General intelligence
C) Triarchic theory of intelligence
D) Multiple intelligences
B) General intelligence
Spearman’s general intelligence theory conjectures that people have one type of intelligence that is either average, above average, or below average. How a person does on one type of intelligence test indicates how they will do in other types of intelligence tests.
A teacher believes that immediate and positive feedback is necessary for students to achieve in the classroom.
Which theory does this practice align to?
A) Humanistic
B) Constructivist
C) Cognitivist
D) Behavioral
D) Behavioral
The instructional strategies used by the behavioral learning theory are direct instruction, practice, feedback, and reinforcement.
A teacher is presenting the topic of world religions. The students are asked to write out the name of the religion, origin date, and common features during the lecture. When the teacher is finished with the lecture, the students practice answering questions about the various religions as a group.
Which component of the behaviorist learning theory is this teacher utilizing?
A) Managing students’ frustration
B) Direct instruction
C) Mnemonic tactics
D) Making connections through discovery learning
B) Direct instruction
Direct instruction is a strategy of the behavioral learning theory. It is the idea of a teacher teaching something to students (for example lecturing at the board) and then providing the students with practice and feedback on their practice.
Students in a high school math class studied hard and did well on an exam. The teacher decided to waive all weekend homework in celebration.
Which type of consequence does the teacher’s decision represent?
A) Punishment
B) Shaping
C) Negative reinforcement
D) Positive reinforcement
C) Negative reinforcement
Reinforcement means desired behaviors are encouraged to repeat the behavior. Negative reinforcement refers to the idea of taking something away that will make someone happy in the hopes that they will repeat the behavior. Students are typically happy when someone takes away homework.
An individual repeats a grocery list over in their head while in the store. After the individual gathers all the items that they have been repeating, they go to the cashier to check out.
Which stage of memory was this individual using?
A) Auditory
B) Sensory
C) Long-term
D) Working
D) Working
Working memory refers to what a person is working with in the moment. The individual in the question is working with the grocery list.
An eighth-grade social studies teacher notices that students are struggling with material on the Constitution. The teacher decides that an information-processing approach to teaching would best serve the struggling students.
How should the teacher implement an information processing approach to teaching?
A) Plan small group projects to be presented to the class.
B) Use concept maps and mnemonics to help with long-term memory.
C) Present the Bill of Rights in small increments and reinforce mastery after students learn each amendment.
D) Satisfy student needs for creative exploration and relevance to their lives.
B) Use concept maps and mnemonics to help with long-term memory.
This answer choice is stressing the instructional strategies of concept maps and mnemonics. Concept maps and mnemonics are instructional strategies of the cognitivist learning theory. The information processing approach is a part of the cognitivist learning theory.
A seventh-grade student is struggling with learning algebra and is feeling defeated. The student tries but keeps getting the math homework wrong and is convinced that they just cannot do math.
Which strategy can the teacher use to build this student’s self-efficacy around math?
A) Pair the student with another student who is more proficient in math and have them work together on the homework problems.
B) Sympathize with the student and share that many students have trouble with algebra and that the student should not feel too bad about not doing well.
C) Point out where the student has improved in their homework, over prior performance, and encourage the student to keep working on it.
D) Identify the students in the class who are scoring the highest on their math homework, as role models.
C) Point out where the student has improved in their homework, over prior performance, and encourage the student to keep working on it.
Self-efficacy is one’s beliefs about their ability to complete a task or a goal. If one has high self-efficacy, one believes one can complete the task or goal. With low self-efficacy, one believes one may not be successful in completing the task or goal. Reminding students of previous experiences where they have been successful and encouraging them can increase self-efficacy.
A family’s dogs were recently stolen. After two weeks the dogs have still not been found, so the family decides to offer a reward in hopes that someone will find and return the dogs. Shortly after the reward is offered, the dogs are found and returned to the family.
Which motivation type does the reward represent?
A) Explicit
B) Extrinsic
C) Implicit
D) Intrinsic
B) Extrinsic
Extrinsic motivation refers to the idea of doing something to receive a reward. In this question the dogs are found because of the reward of money.
A teacher prefers a direct instruction teaching method but also allows students to choose which assignment they want to complete.
Which learning theory does allowing assignment choice align to?
A) Behaviorism
B) Humanism
C) Cognitivism
D) Constructivism
B) Humanism
The instructional strategies used by humanism are choices, breaks, checking-in with students, and explaining why students need to learn something. This question is focusing on the instructional strategy of choices.
A fifth-grade student loves to work with their peers in groups.
Which learning theory does this describe?
A) Constructivist
B) Information Processing
C) Cognitivist
D) Humanistic
A) Constructivist
The constructivist learning theory is built on interaction with real-world situations. Either interacting with the concept (such as hands-on learning/discovery learning or situated learning—think field trips) or interacting with others (such as group work/discussions, buddy pairs, scaffolding in the zone of proximal development, collaborative learning, cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, etc.).
A teacher is working with students learning how changes in the weather affects plant growth in their local area. The teacher gives the students resources to create a small replica of a creek in the classroom and asks them, “What happens when a large stream of water runs through local creek beds that are full of rocks and plants, like it does during a flood?”
Which constructivist strategy is the teacher using?
A) Situated learning
B) Project-based learning
C) Social learning
D) Inquiry-based learning
D) Inquiry-based learning
Inquiry-based learning is focused on having students learn through answering questions. This question is focusing on having students solve a question.
Students in a classroom are learning about the environment and discussing topics like alternative energy sources, recycling, and sustainable farming. The teacher assigns the students to groups. Each group is assigned one topic related to the environment and is asked to create an interactive presentation on what they have learned.
Which constructivist strategy is the teacher using?
A) Social learning
B) Project-based learning
C) Inquiry-based learning
D) Situated learning
B) Project-based learning
Project-based learning is typically when students work in groups to create a presentation.
Students in a ninth-grade projects class are asked to design a bridge from balsa wood. The students are placed in groups of four with mixed ability levels. Each student is asked to take a role in the group, and the teacher rotates from group to group to provide guidance and keep them on track.
Which type of learning are the students exhibiting?
A) Collaborative learning
B) Cooperative learning
C) Flex model learning
D) Project-based learning
B) Cooperative learning
Cooperative learning is when students work in groups of mixed ability, it is teacher led, and the focus is on the final product.
What are four strategies used by the humanistic learning theory?
Choose 4 answers.
A) Positive reinforcement of student actions
B) Giving student mnemonics to help them remember information
C) Giving students choices to explore
D) Providing feedback on student work
E) Explaining the “why” to students
F) Small groups of students
G) Providing students with breaks
H) Checking-in with students
C) Giving students choices to explore
E) Explaining the “why” to students
G) Providing students with breaks
H) Checking-in with students
Checking-in with students, providing students with breaks, giving students choices to explore, and explaining the “why” to students are all strategies used by the humanistic learning theory.
Which instructional strategies are promoted by the constructivist learning theory?
Choose 3 answers.
A) Mnemonics
B) Checking in with students
C) Scaffolding
D) Positive reinforcement
E) Small groups
F) Multiple viewpoints
C) Scaffolding
E) Small groups
F) Multiple viewpoints
Small groups, multiple viewpoints, and scaffolding are all strategies used by the constructivist learning theory.
