Child Development and Learning Flashcards
6 cards from real PGCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Child Development and Learning flashcards as text
What is Bandura's 'social learning theory' and how does it apply to classroom practice?
Answer: The view that people learn by observing others, with behaviour influenced by modelling, imitation and reinforcement
Bandura showed that people learn by observing role models - modelling, vicarious reinforcement, and self-efficacy beliefs all shape behaviour, directly relevant to how teachers model and praise in class.
What does 'self-efficacy' mean in educational psychology, and how does a teacher foster it?
Answer: A pupil's belief in their own ability to succeed at a specific task, developed through mastery experiences, modelling and verbal encouragement
Bandura defines self-efficacy as a person's belief in their capacity to accomplish a specific task; it is built through success, observing peers succeed, and encouragement from trusted adults.
What is 'schema theory' and how does it explain why prior knowledge matters for learning?
Answer: The idea that knowledge is organised in mental frameworks (schemas) and new information is easier to learn when it connects to existing schemas
Schema theory (Bartlett; Piaget) shows that new information is processed and remembered more easily when it can be connected to existing knowledge structures (schemas) in long-term memory.
What does Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggest about preconditions for effective learning?
Answer: That basic physiological and safety needs must be met before pupils can engage with higher-order learning
Maslow hierarchy shows that if pupils lack food, safety, belonging or esteem, their capacity to engage with learning is severely limited - highlighting pastoral and wellbeing responsibilities.
What does research on 'growth mindset' (Dweck) suggest teachers should avoid saying to pupils?
Answer: 'You're so clever - you got that straight away'
Praising intelligence ('you're so clever') promotes a fixed mindset - pupils become reluctant to attempt difficult tasks in case they appear 'not clever'. Effort praise promotes a growth mindset.
What does 'adverse childhood experiences' (ACEs) research suggest for teachers?
Answer: Research showing that childhood trauma (abuse, neglect, family instability) has long-term negative impacts on health, behaviour and learning - requiring trauma-informed approaches in school
ACEs research (Felitti et al., 1998) shows that adverse experiences in childhood have cumulative, lasting effects on brain development, behaviour and health - directly relevant to trauma-informed teaching.