1. What is a postmodern perspective? Why is a postmodern perspective important in analyzing developmental and educational psychological theories and the manner in which they are applied in classrooms? Provide a postmodern deconstruction of 3 of the major theories we have discussed in class.
2. What are some of the basic principles of developmentally appropriate practice? Why should it be a consideration in your classroom? What are some DAPs you will integrate into your classroom?
3. Can you provide a description of the process of learning according to each of the following learning theories?
-Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
-Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
-Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
-Social Constructivism (Vygotsky's)
-Cognitive Constructivism (Piaget)
-Constructivist Information Processing (LOP)
4. What is motivation? What role does it play in classroom learning? What role do: goals, needs, attributions, beliefs and expectations play in students' motivation? In what ways can a teacher indirectly and directly foster motivation?
5. What are some of the fundamental principles of the student-centered approach? How can the student-centered approach be integrated into all aspects of the curriculum such as:
-classroom structure and management
-curricular goals and objectives
-instructional methods
-assessments
6. What is the difference between an inductive and a deductive lesson? What characteristics distinguish between didactic teaching, expository teaching, guided discovery and pure discovery learning? What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each?
7. What is intelligence? Can intelligence be measured? What is the relation between “intelligence” and being “Gifted and Talented”?
8. What is meant by the terms “Authentic Instruction, and Authentic Assessments”? Can you provide an example of how you might apply the principles of authentic instruction and authentic assessment in the grade level you will be teaching.
9. What are some important developmental milestones for children between the ages of three and twelve? What are the implications of these milestones for the manner in which learning should be supported in classrooms?
10. In what ways can and should the ideas covered in an Educational Psychology and Child Development course be applied in your early childhood, elementary, or middle school classroom?
