The following four junior high school science teachers are teaching the concept molecule to their students. In each classroom, some of the students are at Piaget's formal operations stage and others are at the concrete operations stage. In which classroom are the concrete operational students most likely to have difficulty understanding?
A) Mr. Armani lets students touch and manipulate concrete models of various molecules.
B) Mr. Bendetti lets students look at the same concrete models that Mr. Armani has used.
C) Mr. Carmen verbally describes how different elements are made up of different numbers of neutrons, protons, and electrons.
D) Mr. Davidson has students role-play being neutrons, protons, and electrons. The "neutron" and "proton" students huddle together in the middle of the room, and the "electrons" move around them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Concrete operational thinkers, according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, are typically children aged 7 to 11 years old who can think logically about concrete events but have difficulty understanding abstract or hypothetical concepts. They need tangible, hands-on experiences to grasp complex ideas.
Here's why Mr. Carmen's approach might be challenging for them:
c. Mr. Carmen verbally describes how different elements are made up of different numbers of neutrons, protons, and electrons.
Mr. Carmen's method relies heavily on verbal instruction and abstract thinking, which can be difficult for concrete operational students to follow. They may struggle to visualize and understand the composition of molecules without the aid of concrete materials or visual aids.
In contrast, the other teachers are using more concrete methods that would likely be more effective for students at the concrete operational stage:
a. Mr. Armani lets students touch and manipulate concrete models of various molecules.
b. Mr. Bendetti lets students look at the same concrete models that Mr. Armani has used.
d. Mr. Davidson has students role-play being neutrons, protons, and electrons.
These approaches allow students to engage with the concept of molecules in a hands-on manner, making it easier for them to grasp the idea. Mr. Armani and Mr. Bendetti use physical models, which provide a visual and tactile experience. Mr. Davidson's role-play activity turns the abstract concept into a physical and social experience, which can also be very helpful for concrete operational learners.

The Following Four Junior High School Science Teachers Are Teaching