Student Learning and Development Flashcards

According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, what is the 'Zone of Proximal Development' (ZPD)?

Answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and with guidance

The ZPD is the range of tasks a learner can accomplish with skilled assistance but not yet independently.

Which type of memory stores factual knowledge such as dates and definitions?

Answer: Semantic memory

Semantic memory is the long-term memory system responsible for storing general factual knowledge and concepts.

A student who attributes their exam failure to lack of effort rather than low ability is demonstrating which motivational belief?

Answer: An incremental theory of intelligence

Attributing failure to effort reflects an incremental (growth) mindset, believing ability can be developed through work.

In Erikson's psychosocial stages, adolescents primarily face which developmental conflict?

Answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson identified Identity vs. Role Confusion as the central challenge of adolescence, where teens explore who they are.

Which learning theory proposes that behavior is shaped primarily by consequences such as reinforcement and punishment?

Answer: Operant conditioning

Operant conditioning, associated with B.F. Skinner, holds that behaviors increase or decrease based on their consequences.

What does 'scaffolding' mean in an educational context?

Answer: Temporary support provided to help a learner achieve a task beyond current ability

Scaffolding refers to temporary instructional support that is gradually removed as the learner builds competence.

Which stage of Piaget's cognitive development theory is characterized by abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking?

Answer: Formal operational stage

The formal operational stage (approximately age 12 and beyond) involves the ability to think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations.