Question 1

Three of the teachers below are using strategies consistent with the textbook's recommendations for holding class discussions. Which teacher is using a strategy that is not consistent with the textbook's recommendations?
A) Mr. Poston assures students that it's okay if they change their minds about an issue.
B) Mr. Morris has students discuss a topic about which they know almost nothing.
C) Mr. Sheehan reminds students that they can criticize ideas but not people.
D) Mr. Retzlaff divides his class into groups of four students each to discuss a controversial issue.

Accepted Answer

The textbook recommends that students should have some prior knowledge or experience with a topic before discussing it in class. Therefore, Mr. Morris's strategy of having students discuss a topic about which they know almost nothing is not consistent with the textbook's recommendations.

Question 2

Which one of the following situations best illustrates situated learning? A) Twelve-year-old Andrew bakes often at home and can easily figure out how much flour he needs when he cuts in half a cookie recipe that calls for 2¹/₄ cups of flour. Yet Andrew has trouble making similar calculations in his math class. B) Ten-year-old Bernita wonders what it would be like to live on a farm rather than in the city. As she sits in class, her mind often wanders to rural locations she has visited only in her dreams. C) Sixteen-year-old Calvin has trouble understanding the process of mitosis when his biology teacher describes it in abstract terms. He still finds the concept difficult when, later, the teacher draws a diagram of the process on the chalkboard. D) Four-year-old Danetta has trouble understanding that her friend Michael has moved to a community more than a thousand miles away. She keeps insisting that Michael must only be a short car ride away and throws a fit when her mother refuses to drive her to Michael's house.

Accepted Answer

Situated learning refers to learning that takes place in a specific context or situation, rather than in an abstract or generalized way. In this situation, Andrew's ability to figure out how much flour he needs in a particular baking recipe shows how he has developed knowledge through his experiences in a specific situation (baking at home). This is an example of situated learning, as opposed to the other options which deal with difficulties in abstract thinking, daydreaming, or lack of understanding due to age.

Question 3

Which one of the following teachers is using reciprocal teaching?
A) Mr. Armando has students work in pairs, testing each other's knowledge about a topic.
B) Working with a small group, Mr. Bromley gives each student a chance to ask questions of other group members regarding a section of text they are reading.
C) When students ask questions about things they don't understand, Ms. Cromwell asks if classmates can answer those questions before answering them herself.
D) Before a test, Ms. Dievers has each student describe the strategies he or she plans to use while studying.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal teaching involves students working in small groups to teach each other by asking questions, summarizing, clarifying, and predicting about the text they are reading. Mr. Bromley's method aligns with this approach by giving each student a chance to ask questions of other group members about a section of text, facilitating a collaborative learning environment.

Question 4

Three of the following are strategies that good readers use to enhance their comprehension. Which one is not?
A) They ask themselves questions to make sure they understand.
B) They take steps to clarify possible sources of confusion.
C) They read through material relatively quickly.
D) They anticipate what is likely to come next in the passage.

Accepted Answer

Good readers do not necessarily read through material quickly. Reading quickly may actually hinder comprehension. The other choices are strategies that good readers use to enhance their comprehension.

Question 5

Researchers have found that when we human beings think about performing a particular physical skill e.g., using scissors, dribbling a basketball), we activate some of the same brain regions that we use when actually executing that skill. Which one of the following concepts best reflects this research finding?
A) Guided participation
B) Intersubjectivity
C) Appropriation
D) Embodiment

Accepted Answer

The concept that best reflects this research finding is Embodiment. Embodiment refers to the idea that our thoughts and experiences are grounded in the physical body and its interactions with the environment. This research finding supports the notion that mental representations of physical skills are closely linked to the actual physical execution of those skills, reflecting the embodied nature of cognition.

Question 6

After explaining what sines and cosines are, a high school math teacher shows students how they might use these concepts in constructing a large building. Which one of the following principles does this scenario best illustrate?
A) Over time, self-talk gradually evolves into inner speech.
B) Thought and language become increasingly interdependent with age.
C) Acquiring the cognitive tools of one's culture enables youngsters to live and work more effectively.
D) Children function more effectively when they work at their actual rather than potential) developmental levels.

Accepted Answer

This scenario best illustrates the principle that acquiring the cognitive tools of one's culture enables youngsters to live and work more effectively, as it shows how understanding mathematical concepts like sines and cosines can be applied in real-world situations like constructing a building.

Question 7

Which one of the following is the best example of problem-based learning?
A) Learning the logic behind certain problem-solving procedures in math
B) Learning history by reading detective novels set in certain historical eras
C) Devising a way to move a large, heavy object using principles of physics
D) Solving a series of mathematical word problems that gradually progress in difficulty

Accepted Answer

Problem-based learning involves students solving real-world problems using principles from various disciplines. Option C best exemplifies this as students are presented with a real-world problem (moving a large, heavy object) and must use physics principles to solve it. The other options either involve rote learning or a less authentic problem-solving experience.

Question 8

Which one of the following common expressions best reflects the idea of distributed cognition?
A) "A stitch in time saves nine."
B) "Two heads are better than one."
C) "Look before you leap."
D) "A rolling stone gathers no moss."

Accepted Answer

The expression "Two heads are better than one" reflects the idea of distributed cognition, which suggests that knowledge and problem-solving abilities are not only located in an individual's mind, but can also be distributed across a group or community. This expression highlights the notion that multiple perspectives and contributions from different individuals can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Question 9

Mr. Johansen, a sixth-grade teacher, wants to improve his students' ability to learn effectively from what they read in their textbooks. Considering research results described in your Human Learning text, which technique should Mr. Johansen use?
A) Reciprocal teaching
B) Community of learners
C) Cooperative learning
D) Class discussion

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mr. Johansen, a sixth-grade teacher, wants to...

Question 10

Ms. Villanueva has her students engage in a variety of activities in her middle school geography class. Three of the activities described below are authentic activities. Which one is not an authentic activity?
A) Constructing a map of the neighborhood around the school
B) Describing the difference between latitude and longitude
C) Finding the most direct route to Chicago on a road map
D) Using library resources to identify a good place to take a vacation

Accepted Answer

Authentic activities are those that have a direct application to the real world and involve active, meaningful tasks that replicate real-life challenges. Describing the difference between latitude and longitude, while important, is more of an abstract concept learning activity rather than an application of knowledge in a real-world context, unlike the other options which involve practical, real-world tasks.

Question 11

Using the guidelines presented in the textbook regarding when classroom discussions are most valuable, choose the topic below that would be most appropriate for a classroom discussion.
A) Learning how gravity affects the speed with which an object falls
B) Studying the definitions of difficult words
C) Learning the various tenses of the verb to be
D) Interpreting Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven

Accepted Answer

The interpretation of a poem is a subjective task that requires critical thinking and analysis, making it an ideal topic for a classroom discussion. The other topics may be better suited for direct instruction or independent study.

Question 12

According to the Uri Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which of the following is an example of a child's microsystem?
A) The country in which the child lives
B) The leader of the country in which the child lives
C) The relationship between the child and his or her parents
D) The relationship between the child's parents and his or her school

Accepted Answer

A child's microsystem is the immediate environment in which they live and interact. This includes family members, peers, and other direct relationships. The relationship between the child and his or her parents is an example of a microsystem. The country in which the child lives (macro system) and the leader of the country (exosystem) are not part of the child's immediate environment. The relationship between the child's parents and his or her school is part of the child's mesosystem, which refers to the connections between microsystems.

Question 13

Which one of the following is the best example of an authentic activity?
A) Listing four different kinds of sedimentary rocks
B) Designing a bridge using principles of physics
C) Putting definitions of new terms in your own words
D) Discussing reasons why World War II occurred

Accepted Answer

Designing a bridge using principles of physics involves applying knowledge and skills in a real-world context, which is a key characteristic of authentic activities. The task requires the use of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The outcome is also tangible as a functioning bridge is produced. In contrast, options A, C, and D are more traditional academic tasks that may not necessarily have a real-world application or product.

Question 14

Three of the following are benefits of peer interaction in the classroom. Which one is not a typical benefit of peer interaction?
A) Students can model effective ways of thinking for one another.
B) Peer-group discussions encourage students to organize their thoughts about a topic.
C) Peer-group discussions promote more rapid learning of classroom subject matter.
D) Students can develop more effective ways of defending conclusions they have reached.

Accepted Answer

While peer-group discussions can certainly be helpful for reinforcing and deepening learning, they are not typically known for promoting more rapid learning. Instead, they often encourage more thoughtful and nuanced engagement with subject matter, which can take time but ultimately result in a deeper understanding.

Question 15

Three of the following are potential drawbacks to instructional techniques that depend heavily on student discussion. Which one is least likely to be a drawback?
A) Outgoing and popular students may dominate discussions, even if their ideas and suggestions are off-target.
B) Some students have trouble communicating their thoughts clearly enough for others to understand them.
C) Students who believe that there is a single "right" perspective on any issue are more likely to participate than students who realize that several perspectives may all have legitimacy.
D) Some students may become so focused on making a good impression when it's their turn to speak that they don't listen closely to what their classmates are saying.

Accepted Answer

While all of these can be potential drawbacks to instructional techniques that depend heavily on student discussion, students who believe there is a single "right" perspective on any issue being more likely to participate may actually be an advantage in some cases. It can lead to more active participation and debate, which can be helpful in developing critical thinking skills.

Question 16

Three of the following are possible reasons why classroom dialogues help students better understand classroom subject matter. Which one is not necessarily a benefit of classroom dialogues?
A) Students are exposed to the views of other people-views that may be more accurate than their own.
B) Students must clarify their ideas sufficiently to explain them to their classmates.
C) Students may discover flaws in their own ideas and thoughts about a topic.
D) Students are more likely to form visual images related to their ideas when they describe those ideas to others.

Accepted Answer

While classroom dialogues may help students clarify their ideas and discover flaws in their thinking, there is no evidence to suggest that this process necessarily leads students to form visual images related to their ideas. Therefore, D is not necessarily a benefit of classroom dialogues.

Question 17

Which one of the following examples best illustrates the concept of distributed cognition?
A) Jacquie, Linda, and DeWayne discuss various ways they might solve a physics problem.
B) Mark and Jason each only complete half of their homework assignment.
C) Rhonda watches her favorite situation comedy while simultaneously eating an apple and doing her homework.
D) Reginald thinks about the various plots he might use in the short story he is writing and then eventually chooses one of them.

Accepted Answer

Distributed cognition refers to the idea that cognitive processes can be distributed across individuals or objects. In this example, Jacquie, Linda, and DeWayne are all contributing their ideas to solve a physics problem, which demonstrates the distribution of cognitive resources across multiple individuals. The other examples do not involve the sharing or distribution of cognitive processes in the same way.

Question 18

Which one of the following best illustrates the use of base groups in cooperative learning?
A) Students in a third-grade class are divided into several different reading groups based on their current reading levels.
B) Students in a social studies class work in groups of three or four to conduct in-depth research projects in their local, inner-city neighborhood.
C) Students in a literature class select one of four Shakespearian plays to read; students reading the same play convene for several half-hour discussions of the play.
D) Students in a history class spend the last five minutes of each class session in small, semester-long groups in which they can compare class notes and help one another with sources of confusion.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which one of the following best illustrates...

Question 19

Which of the following most closely defines Uri Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory?
A) Children learn the concept of biological systems from experience
B) Adults actively manipulate children's understanding of changing systems
C) Children learn about ecological systems from an early age have higher cognitive abilities
D) Humans develop by participating in separate, but interacting systems.

Accepted Answer

Uri Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory proposes that a person's development occurs through the interaction of different systems in their environment. These systems include the microsystem (which includes immediate family and caregivers), mesosystem (which includes interactions between the different settings the child is a part of), exosystem (which includes wider societal systems such as school and community), and macrosystem (which includes cultural and societal beliefs and values). Thus, humans develop by participating in separate, but interacting systems.

Question 20

Which one of the following alternatives is the best example of service learning?
A) Struggling readers in a first-grade class spend three days a week with parent volunteers who provide one-on-one tutoring in basic reading skills.
B) A group of young boys develop a business in which they mow the lawns of their neighbors to make extra spending money.
C) Students in a fourth-grade class work in small cooperative groups to help one another make sense of challenging reading material.
D) Students in a biology class collect samples of local pond water, evaluate them for bacteria content, and report their findings to the city health department.

Accepted Answer

Service learning is an approach that combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service. In option D, the biology students are performing a community service by collecting samples and evaluating them for bacteria content. They are also learning about biology in the process. This is the best example of service learning because it meets both the criteria of community service and learning. The other options are also good examples of community service or learning, but they do not clearly combine the two together.

Quiz 12: Metacognition, Self-Regulated Learning, and Study Strategies

Three of the teachers below are using strategies consistent with the textbook's recommendations for holding class discussions. Which teacher is using a strategy that is not consistent with the textbook's recommendations?

Which one of the following situations best illustrates situated learning?

Which one of the following teachers is using reciprocal teaching?

Three of the following are strategies that good readers use to enhance their comprehension. Which one is not?

After explaining what sines and cosines are, a high school math teacher shows students how they might use these concepts in constructing a large building. Which one of the following principles does this scenario best illustrate?

Which one of the following is the best example of problem-based learning?

Which one of the following common expressions best reflects the idea of distributed cognition?

Mr. Johansen, a sixth-grade teacher, wants to improve his students' ability to learn effectively from what they read in their textbooks. Considering research results described in your Human Learning text, which technique should Mr. Johansen use?

Ms. Villanueva has her students engage in a variety of activities in her middle school geography class. Three of the activities described below are authentic activities. Which one is not an authentic activity?

Using the guidelines presented in the textbook regarding when classroom discussions are most valuable, choose the topic below that would be most appropriate for a classroom discussion.

According to the Uri Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which of the following is an example of a child's microsystem?

Which one of the following is the best example of an authentic activity?

Three of the following are benefits of peer interaction in the classroom. Which one is not a typical benefit of peer interaction?

Three of the following are potential drawbacks to instructional techniques that depend heavily on student discussion. Which one is least likely to be a drawback?

Three of the following are possible reasons why classroom dialogues help students better understand classroom subject matter. Which one is not necessarily a benefit of classroom dialogues?

Which one of the following examples best illustrates the concept of distributed cognition?

Which one of the following best illustrates the use of base groups in cooperative learning?

Which of the following most closely defines Uri Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory?

Which one of the following alternatives is the best example of service learning?