CORE Learning Theories 3

Question 1

Which theorist is credited with developing the concept of the 'Zone of Proximal Development' (ZPD)?

Accepted Answer

Lev Vygotsky

Answer

Vygotsky defined ZPD as the range of tasks a learner can perform with guidance but not yet independently.

Question 2

In outdoor education, an instructor observes that students who have negative past experiences with water are reluctant to kayak. This reluctance is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Classical conditioning associates a neutral stimulus (water/kayaking) with a past negative experience, producing a conditioned fear response.

Question 3

Which learning theory emphasizes that learners actively construct knowledge based on prior experiences rather than passively receiving information?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Constructivism (Piaget, Vygotsky) holds that learners build new knowledge by connecting it to existing mental frameworks.

Question 4

A ranger educator reviews students' pre-test scores before teaching a wilderness survival unit. This practice is most aligned with which learning principle?

Accepted Answer

Assessing prior knowledge to inform instruction

Answer

Identifying what learners already know allows instructors to build on existing schemas and target gaps effectively.

Question 5

Which of Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction involves capturing the learner's attention at the very start of a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Gaining attention

Answer

Gagné's first event is 'gaining attention,' which prepares learners to receive and process new information.

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE Learning Theories 3