Educational Psychology & Developmental Theories Exam

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes that cognitive development relies on social relationships and cultural tools.

Piaget's Constructivist Theory

Belief that children learn by actively exploring their environment using schemas.

Assimilation and Accommodation

Processes used to adapt existing cognitive schemas to fit new information.

Piaget: Sensorimotor Stage

First stage; infants learn about the world by using their physical senses.

Piaget: Preoperational Stage

Stage marked by language use, mental representation, and imagination, but illogical thinking.

Piaget: Concrete Operational Stage

Stage marked by logical thinking about concrete objects and mastery of conservation.

Piaget: Formal Operational Stage

Stage marked by abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning.

Vygotsky: Psychological Mediator

A tool that helps turn internal concepts into external representations (e.g., a number line).

Vygotsky: Scaffolding

Temporary support provided by a peer or teacher to help a student understand a concept.

Bronfenbrenner: Microsystem

Direct environments in a child's life (family, friends, teachers, extracurriculars).

Bronfenbrenner: Mesosystem

Interactions between different components of the microsystem (e.g., parent-teacher conference).

Bronfenbrenner: Exosystem

External environments that indirectly impact the child (e.g., parent's work schedule).

Bronfenbrenner: Macrosystem

Broader cultural values, laws, and national societal factors.

Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust

First psychosocial stage, occurring during infancy.

Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Psychosocial stage experienced during adolescence.

Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Psychosocial stage occurring in early adulthood (roughly ages 20-40).

Erikson: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Psychosocial stage occurring during middle adulthood.

Kohlberg: Preconventional Morality

Moral reasoning focused on self-interest and avoiding punishment.

Kohlberg: Conventional Morality

Moral reasoning focused on following societal rules, laws, and structures.

Kohlberg: Postconventional Morality

Moral reasoning guided by personal ethical principles rather than strict rules.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Provides accommodations for students with disabilities who may not qualify for special education.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Federal law guaranteeing specialized instruction and services for eligible students with disabilities.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Federal legislation associated with high-stakes standardized testing and teaching to the test.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Replaced NCLB, shifting responsibility for proficiency decisions and consequences to states.

Culturally Relevant Teaching

Pedagogy that honors diverse student backgrounds without promoting a single dominant culture.

Intersectionality

The interconnected nature of social identities such as race, gender, and class.

Managing Discrimination in Classrooms

Requires educators to reflect on and actively manage their implicit biases.

Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence

Fluid is problem-solving ability; crystallized is accumulated learned knowledge.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

Educational strategy providing early targeted support to struggling students.

Instructional Adaptation for Autism

Accommodations should be made, but workload should NOT be reduced.

Three Principles of UDL

Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression.

Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Gaining personal control and physical independence.

Erikson: Initiative vs. Guilt

Asserting control over environment and planning activities.

Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority

Coping with new academic and social demands to build competence.

Erikson: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Reflecting back on life and feeling a sense of fulfillment or regret.