Exam 10: Social Constructivist Approaches

When assigning students to small groups, it is typically recommended that groups be as homogenous as possible.

Which of the following describes a benefit of implementing cooperative learning in the classroom?

Which of the following activities builds off the construct of situated cognition?

When implementing peer tutoring in the classroom, it is best to assign students to a single role as either tutor or tutee.

Tina's classroom has eight networked computers, which are used for collaboration on projects with other classrooms, and in some cases, the entire school. Tina enters questions and comments about the project and can respond to her classmates' notes. Which of the following best describes the instructional approach being used in Tina's classroom?

List three strategies for promoting students' team-building skills.

Create a specific academic activity using the Jigsaw approach.

Tutors and mentors can provide which of the following benefits to students?

Mrs. Leland has noticed some of the groups get into trouble during cooperative learning. She has noticeably winced after seeing students engaging in name-calling, refusing to work together, and remaining removed from the rest of the group. Which team-building tip should be the first and most appropriate for Mrs. Leland to follow?

An important element of formal social constructivist programs is computer technology. Give examples of a middle-school class using the computer to assist in the understanding of community service.

A wise approach to forming groups is to structure group interaction by assigning group roles to each student.

A low-achieving older student typically benefits when asked to tutor a younger student because teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn.

Which of the following activities provides the greatest opportunity for children to construct knowledge by social interaction?

Which of the following distinguishes constructivism from social constructivism?

When assigning group roles, the taskmaster is in charge of which of the following?

If an important aspect of social constructivist classrooms is the belief that the curriculum and classroom context reflect student interests, develop some suggestions for how teachers might allow for this.

Synthesizing across the shared elements of many social constructivist programs, offer three examples of features exemplifying an effective implementation of such a program.

Define "situated cognition."

Demonstrate how you might scaffold students' learning to write in cursive.

According to Vygotsky's theory, culture determines what skills are taught by looking at what skills are important. Certain skills, such as computer skills, communication skills, and teamwork skills have been suggested as valued skills in our culture. Come up with at least three other valued skills and support your choices.