Question 1

Which of the following is/are characteristics of constructivist teaching?
A) Students interact with materials.
B) The teacher engages in meaningful conversations with the students about the activity being pursued.
C) The teacher uses the learning cycle method or a close equivalent.
D) Students change the directions of their inquiries from time to time.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the choices listed are characteristics of constructivist teaching. In constructivist teaching, students are actively engaged in the learning process and interact with materials. The teacher facilitates meaningful conversations with students about the activity being pursued to promote critical thinking and learning. The learning cycle method, or a close equivalent, is commonly used in constructivist teaching to help students make connections between prior knowledge and new information. Students are also encouraged to change the direction of their inquiries from time to time to foster curiosity and exploration.

Question 2

If teachers are to help students resolve their cognitive disequilibrations, which of the following are necessary for the teacher to have?
A) The right answer
B) As much knowledge of the content as possible
C) Awareness of currently accepted scientific theory concerning the situation that gave rise to the disequilibration
D) Understanding why the students have developed a cognitive disequilibration
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above are necessary for a teacher to have in order to help students resolve their cognitive disequilibrations. The teacher needs to have the right answer to guide students towards the correct information, as well as as much knowledge of the content as possible to help explain the concepts to the students. The teacher needs to be aware of currently accepted scientific theory concerning the situation that gave rise to the disequilibration in order to provide accurate and up-to-date information to the students. Finally, the teacher needs to understand why the students have developed a cognitive disequilibration in order to provide targeted guidance and support to help them overcome their misconceptions or misunderstandings.

Question 3

is meant by cognitive disequilibration?
A) People have a hard time understanding what they experienced.
B) People have a hard time making sense out of something they experienced.
C) People recognize the occurrence as something they have never seen before.
D) People wonder how the occurrence could have happened.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Cognitive disequilibration refers to a state of mental discomfort or imbalance that arises when new information conflicts with existing beliefs, knowledge, or understanding. This concept is often discussed in the context of learning and cognitive development, where encountering new and conflicting information prompts an individual to adjust their understanding to restore balance. Choices A, B, C, and D all describe aspects of this process, where individuals struggle to integrate new experiences with their existing cognitive frameworks, leading to a period of confusion and questioning before achieving a new equilibrium.

Question 4

W According to Vygotskian theory, teachers must provide what in their teaching?
A) Scaffolding
B) Teaching that is neither too easy nor too difficult for the student
C) The opportunity for the students to discuss the topic of the lesson with other students
D) The opportunity for the students to discuss the topic of the lesson with the teacher
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

According to Vygotskian theory, teachers must provide scaffolding, teaching that is neither too easy nor too difficult for the student, and the opportunity for the students to discuss the topic of the lesson with both other students and the teacher. Therefore, the correct answer is E, "All of the above."

Question 5

In Piagetian theory, when people encounter experiences that they cannot connect with experiences they have already encountered, the new experiences may be stored in a schema that the person connects with familiar information through a process called
A) Assimilation
B) Accommodation
C) Equilibration
D) Disequilibration

Accepted Answer

This process is called accommodation, which involves adjusting existing schemas or creating new ones in order to incorporate new information that cannot be assimilated into existing schemas. Assimilation, on the other hand, involves incorporating new information into existing schemas without changing them. Equilibration refers to the overall process of balancing assimilation and accommodation, while disequilibrium is a state of cognitive conflict that motivates the individual to seek equilibrium through accommodation.

Question 6

W In the constructivist view, the conceptualizations students construct are
A) Neither right nor wrong.
B) Representative of their best thinking.
C) The result of their explorations.
D) The result of teacher guidance.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

In the constructivist view, students' conceptualizations are seen as neither right nor wrong, but as representative of their best thinking at the moment. These conceptualizations are understood to be the result of their explorations and interactions with the world, as well as the guidance they receive from teachers. This approach emphasizes the active role of learners in constructing their own understanding from their experiences.

Question 7

A core belief of the constructivist science teacher is that
A) Students must learn the basic truths of science.
B) Students must manipulate materials and find out things for themselves.
C) Students must construct their own meanings through combining new experiences with knowledge they already possess.
D) Students must listen carefully to the teacher.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A core belief of constructivist science teaching is that students must construct their own meanings by combining new experiences with knowledge they already possess. This means that learning is an active process where students must manipulate materials and find out things for themselves, rather than simply being passive receivers of information from the teacher. While it is still important for students to learn the basic truths of science, this knowledge should be acquired through a process of discovery and inquiry, rather than rote memorization. Listening carefully to the teacher can certainly be part of this process, but it is not the sole focus of constructivist teaching. Therefore, both A and D are incorrect. The correct answer is C.

Question 8

In the constructivist view, students are encouraged to construct which of the following?
A) Right conceptualizations
B) The teacher's conceptualizations
C) Their own conceptualizations
D) The conceptualizations of their group
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

In the constructivist view, the focus is on the learners actively constructing their own understanding and knowledge based on their prior experiences and interactions with the environment. Teachers facilitate this process by providing opportunities for learners to construct their own meaning rather than imposing pre-determined concepts or ideas on them. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is C.

Question 9

W Piaget encouraged people to resolve their cognitive disequilibrations by forming
A) New schemata.
B) Enlarged schemata.
C) More cognitive disequilibrations.
D) Cognitive equilibrations.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of W Piaget encouraged people to resolve their...

Question 10

W In Piagetian theory, when people encounter experiences similar to those they have already experienced, the new experience may be stored in an existing schema through a process called
A) Assimilation.
B) Accommodation.
C) Equilibration.
D) Disequilibration.

Accepted Answer

In Piagetian theory, assimilation refers to the process of incorporating new experiences into existing schemas. This occurs when an individual encounters a new experience that is similar to a previous experience, and they are able to integrate the new information into their existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, refers to the process of modifying existing schemas to fit new experiences that cannot be assimilated, while equilibration refers to the process of achieving balance between existing schemas and new experiences. Disequilibration refers to the state of imbalance that precedes the process of equilibration.

Question 11

What main idea did Vygotsky espouse about learning?
A) Learning is a social endeavor.
B) Learning happens only when the students talk with other people.
C) Learning cannot happen in very young children because their minds haven't developed enough yet.
D) Learning can only happen within a zone of proximal development.

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky emphasized that learning is a social endeavor, and that students learn best when they are actively engaged with others in a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Question 12

The text suggests that teachers might consider generate cognitive disequilibrations when teaching science. Why would this technique be useful?
A) It fosters thinking.
B) It requires students to find a solution.
C) It results in an expanded experiential base.
D) It enables teachers to see students' thought processes.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Generating cognitive disequilibrations encourages thinking, requires students to find a solution, expands their experiential base, and also enables teachers to observe and analyze their thought processes. Therefore, all the options mentioned in the answer are correct.

Question 13

Why are discrepant events useful in science education?
A) They compel the students to find an explanation.
B) They compel the students to examine their prior conceptions.
C) They help students enlarge their knowledge base.
D) They encourage students to modify their prior conceptualizations.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Discrepant events are useful in science education because they compel the students to find an explanation, examine their prior conceptions, enlarge their knowledge base, and encourage students to modify their prior conceptualizations. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 14

teaching techniques does a constructivist science teacher employ?
A) Providing exploratory activities
B) Asking students to explain what they are doing in their exploratory activities and why they are doing it
C) Asking students questions about their conclusions
D) Encouraging students to continue their explorations in directions their curiosity and interest take them
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A constructivist science teacher employs all of the techniques listed in the options. Providing exploratory activities allows students to engage in hands-on learning and discovery, while asking them to explain and justify their actions promotes reflection and metacognition. Asking students questions about their conclusions promotes critical thinking, and encouraging them to continue their explorations based on their curiosity and interest fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment in their learning.

Question 15

What does the period of a pendulum depend on?
A) The length of the string
B) The weight of the bob
C) The height from which the bob is dropped
D) The thickness of the string
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The period of a pendulum depends on its length. The longer the length, the slower the pendulum swings and the longer its period.

Question 16

What is the role of the teacher in a constructivist science classroom?
A) Introduce the topic to be studied.
B) Suggest ways of exploring the topic.
C) Assist each of the students in their explorations.
D) Ask students questions to help them clarify their thinking.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

In a constructivist science classroom, the role of the teacher is to introduce the topic to be studied, suggest ways of exploring the topic, assist each of the students in their explorations, and ask students questions to help them clarify their thinking. Therefore, the correct answer is E: all of the above.

Question 17

Which is a discrepant event?
A) Something unexpected happens.
B) Something unusual happens.
C) Something happens that you have not seen before.
D) Something happens in an irregular sequence of events.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is a discrepant event?
A) Something unexpected...

Question 18

W In the constructivist view, the conceptualizations students construct are valid if the conceptualizations
A) Accurately predict further occurrences of the same phenomenon.
B) Adequately explain what happened.
C) Use the input of other people.
D) Use information found in reference materials.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

In the constructivist view, students' conceptualizations are considered valid if they can accurately predict further occurrences of the same phenomenon, adequately explain what happened, incorporate the input of other people, and use information found in reference materials. This approach emphasizes active engagement with the material, collaboration, and the integration of various sources of information.

Question 19

happens when you drop a heavy ball and a light ball from the same height at the same time?
A) The light ball hits the floor first.
B) The heavy ball hits the floor first.
C) Both balls hit the floor at the same time.
D) No prediction can be made because something different happens every time you do it.

Accepted Answer

Both balls will hit the floor at the same time because they will experience the same acceleration due to gravity regardless of their weight. This is known as the principle of equivalence which was first demonstrated by Galileo.

Question 20

According to Piaget, people store knowledge in the form of
A) Schemata.
B) Equilibrations.
C) Disequilibrations.
D) Curiosities.

Accepted Answer

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, individuals organize their knowledge into mental frameworks called schemata. These schemata serve as templates for interpreting and responding to new information and experiences.

Quiz 4: Constructivism in Elementary Science Education

Which of the following is/are characteristics of constructivist teaching?

If teachers are to help students resolve their cognitive disequilibrations, which of the following are necessary for the teacher to have?

is meant by cognitive disequilibration?

W According to Vygotskian theory, teachers must provide what in their teaching?

In Piagetian theory, when people encounter experiences that they cannot connect with experiences they have already encountered, the new experiences may be stored in a schema that the person connects with familiar information through a process called

W In the constructivist view, the conceptualizations students construct are

A core belief of the constructivist science teacher is that

In the constructivist view, students are encouraged to construct which of the following?

W Piaget encouraged people to resolve their cognitive disequilibrations by forming

W In Piagetian theory, when people encounter experiences similar to those they have already experienced, the new experience may be stored in an existing schema through a process called

What main idea did Vygotsky espouse about learning?

The text suggests that teachers might consider generate cognitive disequilibrations when teaching science. Why would this technique be useful?

Why are discrepant events useful in science education?

teaching techniques does a constructivist science teacher employ?

What does the period of a pendulum depend on?

What is the role of the teacher in a constructivist science classroom?

Which is a discrepant event?

W In the constructivist view, the conceptualizations students construct are valid if the conceptualizations

happens when you drop a heavy ball and a light ball from the same height at the same time?

According to Piaget, people store knowledge in the form of