Question 1

According to research, which of these are characteristics of effective classrooms?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that effective classrooms have an orderly atmosphere but also allow critical thinking. This means that students are expected to behave respectfully and follow the rules, while also being encouraged to ask questions and think critically about the material. Discipline is important but not to the extent that it limits debate or discourages student autonomy. The use of high-tech equipment is a potential resource but not a defining characteristic of effective classrooms.

Question 2

What two dominant characteristics distinguish the development of postsecondary education in contemporary America from that in other parts of the world?

Accepted Answer

While diversity is a characteristic that may be shared by postsecondary education systems in other parts of the world, accessibility is not as prevalent. In many countries, access to higher education is limited by factors such as cost, geography, or social background. However, in the United States, there are a variety of options for financing higher education and a strong tradition of striving for universal access. Therefore, diversity and accessibility are the two dominant characteristics that distinguish the development of postsecondary education in contemporary America from that in other parts of the world.

Question 3

Which of the following accurately describes most other industrialized nations?

Accepted Answer

In many industrialized nations, national exams play a significant role in determining whether students pursue college or vocational paths, leading to a separation into college-bound and non-college-bound groups.

Question 4

Which of these aspects of school is most important to a majority of adolescents?

Accepted Answer

While athletics and extracurricular activities may be important to some adolescents, studies have shown that the majority of teenagers value their education and prioritize learning in school. Graduation rates may also be important, but this is more of a concern for educators and administrators rather than students themselves.

Question 5

What is the recommended relationship between schools and the larger community?

Accepted Answer

Schools should be thoroughly integrated into the wider community to promote a sense of belonging and foster relationships with community members. This can provide resources and opportunities for students, such as mentorship programs, internships, and community service projects. Additionally, community involvement can improve school funding, increase support for school initiatives, and aid in addressing issues facing the local area.

Question 6

With respect to violence in schools, which of these statements is true?

Accepted Answer

While school shootings often get more media attention, they are actually a relatively small part of violence in schools. Additionally, data shows that while White youth are responsible for the majority of school shootings, a disproportionate number of homicides in schools involve non-White youth. Therefore, statement B is the only one that is true. Statements A and C are false, as school shootings have not been consistently increasing and homicide in schools is not primarily perpetrated by White students. Statement D is also false, as there is no evidence to suggest school officials are consistently able to identify students who may be involved in school shootings ahead of time.

Question 7

According to a national survey, how many students in American public schools have been victims of violence?

Accepted Answer

According to a national survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 out of 4 students in American public schools have been victims of some form of violence. This includes both physical and verbal forms of violence such as bullying, assault, and harassment. It is important for schools to prioritize creating safe and inclusive environments to prevent and address violence.

Question 8

Today, ________ of high school graduates enroll in college immediately after graduation.

Accepted Answer

According to recent statistics, approximately 69% of high school graduates enroll in college immediately after graduation, which is more than two-thirds.

Question 9

Which boy is most likely to commit an act of lethal violence?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that there is no single factor or clear set of indicators that can reliably predict who will commit a lethal act of violence. Factors such as mental health issues, access to weapons, or educational status can contribute to risk, but they do not serve as direct predictors of violent behavior.

Question 10

The get-tough approach to dealing with violence in schools that has been hotly debated among researchers is known as the

Accepted Answer

The passage clearly states that the get-tough approach to dealing with violence in schools is known as the zero-tolerance approach. Therefore, the correct choice is C.

Question 11

The major characteristics of good schools include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Good schools are those that are integrated into the community by establishing partnerships with local colleges or businesses. This helps the schools to remain socially and economically vibrant. It also helps to provide a rich educational experience for students.

B, C, and D are not the characteristics of good schools. A primary emphasis on extracurricular activities does not guarantee the quality of education that students receive in the classroom. Emphasizing rote memorization and passive listening in classroom instruction limits the growth of critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving among students. Finally, a bureaucracy that imposes strict limitations on teacher autonomy stifles creativity and inhibits the ability of teachers to tailor their instruction to the unique needs of their students.

Question 12

About what percentage of student achievement is the result of self-fulfilling prophecies that teachers have about students?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that self-fulfilling prophecies account for about 20% of student achievement, indicating that teacher expectations can significantly influence student performance but are not the sole factor.

Question 13

Your parents need to choose a school for your younger sibling. They ask you, "What have you learned in psychology class about the characteristics of good schools?" Which of these responses would be the most accurate answer to this question?

Accepted Answer

This is the most accurate response because research shows that having committed and motivated teachers who have autonomy within their classrooms is strongly associated with positive outcomes for students, including academic achievement and well-being. This characteristic is also often highlighted in discussions of successful schools in the education literature.

Question 14

According to research, what are the signs that a student will commit an act of lethal violence?

Accepted Answer

The tendency toward lethal violence in adolescents is complex and multifaceted, making it nearly impossible to predict based on a simple set of signs. Factors contributing to such behavior can vary widely among individuals, and there is no universally agreed-upon profile or set of characteristics that can reliably predict who will commit acts of lethal violence.

Question 15

Ms. Adamson believes that junior high school students are daydreamers at best and disrespectful at worst. Her students notice her attitude and therefore do not work that hard in her class, figuring that there is little chance of pleasing her. Their grades are lower than the grades of comparable students who have other teachers. What would a psychologist call this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the expectations of a person become reality because they influence their behavior and the behavior of others around them. Ms. Adamson's negative expectations towards her students have led to lower grades and poor behavior in her classroom.

Question 16

Which of the following classroom climates is related to increased student achievement?

Accepted Answer

A classroom climate that promotes cooperation between students is related to increased student achievement. This allows for collaboration and teamwork, which can improve problem-solving skills and enhance learning. Competitive environments may actually inhibit learning and discourage students from helping one another. Valuing order and discipline above all else may create a restrictive environment that limits creativity and independence. Wide age groupings may hinder learning if students are not appropriately grouped based on their developmental and academic levels.

Question 17

Which of these is the most accurate statement about teachers' expectations of students?

Accepted Answer

Teacher expectations can significantly influence student achievement over the long term, impacting their academic performance, self-esteem, and future aspirations. This phenomenon is supported by various studies showing that positive expectations can enhance student outcomes, while low expectations can hinder their progress.

Question 18

Of the U.S. students who enter college, what percentage complete a degree within six years?

Accepted Answer

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 40% of students who enter college complete a degree within six years.

Question 19

Research has shown that teachers tend to favor high-achieving students by providing extra cues for answers and more positive nonverbal behaviors than for lower-achieving students. Such evidence provides support for the notion that teachers' expectations may contribute to

Accepted Answer

The evidence presented suggests that teachers' expectations may contribute to the self-fulfilling prophecy, where students perform according to the expectations placed upon them. This means that if teachers expect high achievement from certain students, they may treat them differently and provide more support, leading those students to outperform others. Alternatively, if teachers have low expectations for certain students, they may not provide them with the same level of support, leading those students to underperform.

Question 20

Calvin has completed three semesters of college, but he left college without an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Which of these statements is likely to apply to Calvin?

Accepted Answer

While completing three semesters of college may have given Calvin some education and skills, he did not graduate with a degree which means he may not have the same level of qualifications that someone with a bachelor's degree would have. Therefore, it is likely that his employment opportunities and earnings will be similar to his peers who never attended college.

Quiz 6: Schools