Virginia Learning Theories & Psychology 2

Question 1

According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, what term describes the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance?

Accepted Answer

Zone of Proximal Development

Answer

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is the range between a learner's independent capability and their potential with expert support.

Question 2

A teacher uses peer tutoring so stronger students help weaker ones. This strategy is MOST directly aligned with which theoretical concept?

Accepted Answer

Scaffolding within the ZPD

Answer

Peer tutoring leverages Vygotsky's ZPD by pairing learners with more capable peers who provide scaffolded support.

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes Erik Erikson's stage 'Industry vs. Inferiority' as it applies to elementary-age students?

Accepted Answer

Students develop competence through task mastery or feel inferior when they fail

Answer

Industry vs. Inferiority (ages 6–12) centers on children developing a sense of competence through school tasks and feeling inferior if they consistently fail.

Question 4

A student repeatedly avoids math class because it causes anxiety. A behaviorist would explain this avoidance as an example of:

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement

Answer

Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior (avoidance) is strengthened because it removes an aversive stimulus (anxiety).

Question 5

Piaget's concept of 'equilibration' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of balancing assimilation and accommodation to achieve cognitive stability

Answer

Equilibration is Piaget's mechanism by which learners balance assimilation of new information with accommodation of existing schemas.

(Virginia) Virginia Teaching Certification Practice Test

(Virginia) Virginia Teaching Certification Practice Test

Virginia Learning Theories & Psychology 2