CFD Teaching & Learning Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which concept from Vygotsky's theory refers to the range of tasks a learner can accomplish with guidance but not yet independently?
- Zone of Proximal Development (Correct answer)
- Scaffolding Threshold
- Cognitive Equilibrium
- Mastery Zone
Correct answer: Zone of Proximal Development
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) describes potential learning that becomes achievable with appropriate instructor or peer support.
Question 2: Problem-based learning (PBL) differs from traditional case-study teaching primarily because PBL:
- Uses only real patient or client scenarios
- Presents the problem before students have all the required knowledge (Correct answer)
- Requires faculty to provide detailed solution guides upfront
- Limits group discussion to prevent misinformation
Correct answer: Presents the problem before students have all the required knowledge
PBL intentionally presents ill-structured problems before students are fully prepared, prompting them to identify and fill knowledge gaps.
Question 3: A faculty developer is training instructors to use 'backward design.' What is the first step in this model?
- Selecting instructional activities
- Identifying desired learning outcomes (Correct answer)
- Choosing assessment instruments
- Reviewing available course materials
Correct answer: Identifying desired learning outcomes
Backward design, from Wiggins and McTighe, begins with clarifying what students should know and be able to do by course's end.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of metacognitive strategy instruction?
- Assigning additional readings on difficult topics
- Teaching students to monitor their own comprehension and adjust study habits (Correct answer)
- Providing faculty-created summaries after each lecture
- Using standardized multiple-choice exams
Correct answer: Teaching students to monitor their own comprehension and adjust study habits
Metacognitive instruction helps learners become aware of and regulate their own thinking and learning processes.
Question 5: In inquiry-based learning, what role does the faculty member primarily play?
- Expert who delivers answers to student questions
- Facilitator who guides students through questioning and discovery (Correct answer)
- Grader who evaluates final products only
- Scheduler who organizes group assignments
Correct answer: Facilitator who guides students through questioning and discovery
In inquiry-based learning, faculty serve as facilitators, prompting investigation rather than providing direct answers.
Question 6: Which learning strategy is MOST aligned with experiential learning theory as described by Kolb?
- Reading textbooks and summarizing chapters
- Completing a laboratory experiment, reflecting on results, and forming concepts for future application (Correct answer)
- Watching faculty demonstrations without student participation
- Memorizing definitions from lecture slides
Correct answer: Completing a laboratory experiment, reflecting on results, and forming concepts for future application
Kolb's cycle includes concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation — all present in hands-on lab work.
Question 7: When using collaborative learning, which condition is MOST critical for ensuring individual accountability?
- Allowing groups to self-select their members
- Assigning roles and requiring individual contributions to the group product (Correct answer)
- Keeping group sizes as large as possible
- Letting the strongest student lead all tasks
Correct answer: Assigning roles and requiring individual contributions to the group product
Assigning specific roles and requiring traceable individual contributions prevents social loafing and ensures every member engages.
CFD Teaching & Learning Strategies 3
Which concept from Vygotsky's theory refers to the range of tasks a learner can accomplish with guidance but not yet independently?