Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K–6)
Subtest 1 Sample Items
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Question 1
1. Compared with students in the early elementary grades, students in the upper elementary grades are often better able to negotiate disagreements with their peers to a positive outcome. This ability is most likely due to upper elementary students' more advanced development in which of the following areas?
- expressive language
- metacognition
- self-esteem
- perspective taking
Answer to question 1
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) According to Robert Selman, most children generally do not develop the ability to put themselves in another's position until approximately age ten. Mature perspective-taking ability is key to appreciating how one's actions and words will affect others and provides the foundation for constructive resolution of everyday social conflicts.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) According to Robert Selman, most children generally do not develop the ability to put themselves in another's position until approximately age ten. Mature perspective-taking ability is key to appreciating how one's actions and words will affect others and provides the foundation for constructive resolution of everyday social conflicts.
Question 2
2. A student who is functioning primarily at the concrete operational stage of cognitive
development as described by Jean Piaget is most likely to demonstrate which of the
following behaviors?
- systematically generating several possible solutions to a problem
- regularly assuming that others share his or her feelings about a situation
- spontaneously incorporating figurative language into writing assignments
- routinely using manipulative materials for support with mathematics tasks
Answer to question 2
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) During Piaget's concrete operational stage of cognitive development,
students can apply mental operations to concrete objects and events and can think
logically, but only with practical aids. At this stage of cognitive development
(roughly ages 7–12), students need to work with real objects in order to construct
knowledge.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) During Piaget's concrete operational stage of cognitive development,
students can apply mental operations to concrete objects and events and can think
logically, but only with practical aids. At this stage of cognitive development
(roughly ages 7–12), students need to work with real objects in order to construct
knowledge.
Question 3
3. An elementary school student with a strong sense of self-efficacy in a specific
subject area is most likely to demonstrate which of the following behaviors in that
subject area?
- persistence in the completion of challenging tasks
- evaluation of his or her performance according to external criteria
- preference for self-directed learning activities
- mastery of content and skills at a faster than average pace
Answer to question 3
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) Self-efficacy can be described
as a belief in one's own ability to perform a task successfully. Self-efficacy plays
a major role in how an individual approaches goals, tasks, and challenges. Individuals
with high self-efficacy, those who believe they can perform well, are more likely
to view difficult tasks as something to be mastered, to be encouraged to make a
greater effort when faced with obstacles, and to attribute their success or failure
to internal factors (e.g., insufficient effort, lack of preparation) rather than
external factors (e.g., the difficulty of the task, poor instruction).
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) Self-efficacy can be described
as a belief in one's own ability to perform a task successfully. Self-efficacy plays
a major role in how an individual approaches goals, tasks, and challenges. Individuals
with high self-efficacy, those who believe they can perform well, are more likely
to view difficult tasks as something to be mastered, to be encouraged to make a
greater effort when faced with obstacles, and to attribute their success or failure
to internal factors (e.g., insufficient effort, lack of preparation) rather than
external factors (e.g., the difficulty of the task, poor instruction).
Question 4
4. In elementary school students, which of the following cognitive abilities is typically
the start italics last end italics to develop?
- understanding the concept of cause and effect
- using analogies to link new ideas to previously learned concepts
- solving problems that involve multiple steps
- associating symbols with specific objects or meanings
Answer to question 4
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0001) The
ability to create analogies between known and new information is characteristic
of emerging formal operational thinking. Using such analogies requires the ability
to consider ideas in the abstract, without the support of concrete materials. Students
typically do not begin to demonstrate this ability until the late elementary or
early middle school years.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0001) The ability to create analogies between known and new information is characteristic of emerging formal operational thinking. Using such analogies requires the ability to consider ideas in the abstract, without the support of concrete materials. Students typically do not begin to demonstrate this ability until the late elementary or early middle school years.
Question 5
5. Which of the following learning center materials would be most effective in supporting
the development of kindergarten students' fine motor skills?
- beanbag and ring toss games
- plastic bowling balls and pins
- drums and tambourines
- modeling clay and rolling pins
Answer to question 5
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) Fine motor skills can be developed most effectively by manipulating
objects with hands and fingers. Modeling clay and rolling pins naturally prompt
students to engage in molding, shaping, and rolling actions. These actions help
students gain greater control of the muscles in their hands and fingers as well
as strengthen their grip.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) Fine motor skills can be developed most effectively by manipulating objects with hands and fingers. Modeling clay and rolling pins naturally prompt students to engage in molding, shaping, and rolling actions. These actions help students gain greater control of the muscles in their hands and fingers as well as strengthen their grip.
Question 6
6. A sixth-grade teacher leads students in the process of creating vision boards. First, the teacher has the students make a list of ten things they want to do, be, or have. Students place their list in the front of their binder where they will see it every day. Next, using a personal vision board, the teacher shows students how to go about selecting images, illustrations, and words that represent the items on their list. Engaging students in the process of creating vision boards is likely to have which of the following benefits for students' development?
- facilitating students' understanding of connections between academics and life
- helping students clarify their goals and recognize their potential for success
- teaching students how to adopt a proactive approach to achieving their goals
- improving students' sense of responsibility for the outcomes of their decisions
Answer to question 6
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0001) Goal setting is an important life skill and helps students take responsibility for themselves. They learn that their actions determine whether or not they fail or succeed. Goal setting also builds self-confidence. When students reach their goals, they learn to believe in their abilities and are more likely to set new goals for themselves in the future. Showing students their strengths and talents helps boost their self-esteem.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0001) Goal setting is an important life skill and helps students take responsibility for themselves. They learn that their actions determine whether or not they fail or succeed. Goal setting also builds self-confidence. When students reach their goals, they learn to believe in their abilities and are more likely to set new goals for themselves in the future. Showing students their strengths and talents helps boost their self-esteem.
Question 7
7. The physical development of students in the elementary school years is generally characterized by:
- significant enhancement of visual and auditory acuity.
- dramatic increase in calorie needs.
- rapid improvement in strength and muscle coordination.
- increased regularity in the sleep cycle.
Answer to question 7
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) Compared with the development of basic gross and fine motor skills in infancy and toddlerhood and the dramatic growth spurts characteristic of early adolescence, physical development in the elementary school years is a period of slow and steady growth. This growth contributes to improved muscle strength and students' ability to expand and refine the motor skills. During this period, many students learn to ride a bicycle, hit a baseball, jump rope, and similar skills that require a greater degree of coordination.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) Compared with the development of basic gross and fine motor skills in infancy and toddlerhood and the dramatic growth spurts characteristic of early adolescence, physical development in the elementary school years is a period of slow and steady growth. This growth contributes to improved muscle strength and students' ability to expand and refine the motor skills. During this period, many students learn to ride a bicycle, hit a baseball, jump rope, and similar skills that require a greater degree of coordination.
Question 8
8. A fourth-grade teacher instructs students in the use of various strategies, such as predicting and summarizing, to promote their understanding of content-area texts. The teacher models the strategy and provides feedback as students practice the strategy. Then the teacher has students take turns leading discussions of texts and applying the strategy. In these discussions, the teacher observes and provides cues and prompting only as needed. This approach is likely to be most effective in achieving which of the following goals?
- accommodating students' individual learning styles
- helping students become more self-directed and responsible for their own learning
- improving students' expressive language skills
- encouraging students to recognize their peers as valuable sources of academic support
Answer to question 8
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0002) The teacher's approach is an example of scaffolded instruction or the gradual release model. This approach is broadly recognized as an effective way to move classroom instruction from teacher-centered, whole-group delivery to student-centered independent practice and collaboration. Sometimes referred to as "I do, we do, you do," this approach uses a plan of instruction that includes demonstration, prompt, and practice.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0002) The teacher's approach is an example of scaffolded instruction or the gradual release model. This approach is broadly recognized as an effective way to move classroom instruction from teacher-centered, whole-group delivery to student-centered independent practice and collaboration. Sometimes referred to as "I do, we do, you do," this approach uses a plan of instruction that includes demonstration, prompt, and practice.
Question 9
9. A fourth-grade teacher makes a practice of incorporating media such as photographs,
charts, and audio recordings into instruction as often as possible. This practice
can be expected to promote students' learning primarily by:
- helping make content comprehensible.
- activating background knowledge.
- providing a stimulating classroom environment.
- prompting independent exploration of content.
Answer to question 9
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) Classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, including students with
varied learning preferences, students with disabilities, and students who are learning
English. Incorporating various media into instruction helps promote understanding
of content for all students regardless of learning style, language, or ability.
This practice can help increase comprehension by providing elaboration for a verbal
explanation, by simplifying information, or by illustrating relationships.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) Classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, including students with
varied learning preferences, students with disabilities, and students who are learning
English. Incorporating various media into instruction helps promote understanding
of content for all students regardless of learning style, language, or ability.
This practice can help increase comprehension by providing elaboration for a verbal
explanation, by simplifying information, or by illustrating relationships.
Question 10
10. A sixth-grade social studies teacher wants to help students recall important inventions
of the Industrial Revolution. The teacher guides the students in organizing the
inventions according to broad categories, such as transportation or agriculture.
This learning strategy is generally referred to as:
- mnemonics
- visualization
- chunking
- internalization
Answer to question 10
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) Chunking refers to a strategy
for making more efficient use of short-term memory by organizing or grouping separate
pieces of information together. When information is "chunked" into groups, it is
easier to recall information by remembering the groups as opposed to individual
pieces of information.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) Chunking refers to a strategy for making more efficient use of short-term memory by organizing or grouping separate pieces of information together. When information is "chunked" into groups, it is easier to recall information by remembering the groups as opposed to individual pieces of information.
Question 11
11. A third-grade teacher emphasizes the use of small-group cooperative activities in
instruction. Which of the following statements best explains how this approach can
be expected to affect students' learning?
- Cooperative learning engages students as active participants and promotes the development
of higher-order thinking skills.
- The cooperative learning approach requires each student to exert the same amount
of effort, which leads to a sense of self-respect.
- Cooperative learning promotes students' sense of personal competency and helps establish
a positive teacher-student relationship.
- The cooperative learning approach helps ensure that the teacher has time to assist
individual students who need the most support.
Answer to question 11
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) In cooperative learning, students work together in small groups on
a structured activity. Research studies have shown that, compared with competitive
or individual work, cooperation leads to higher quality reasoning strategies. Students
have more opportunities in a small group to state their ideas and hear others' ideas
as well as more support in analyzing and synthesizing ideas and information.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) In cooperative learning, students work together in small groups on a structured activity. Research studies have shown that, compared with competitive or individual work, cooperation leads to higher quality reasoning strategies. Students have more opportunities in a small group to state their ideas and hear others' ideas as well as more support in analyzing and synthesizing ideas and information.
Question 12
12. Which of the following statements describes the most important benefit for students of including guided practice as a regular part of the instructional sequence?
- Students receive feedback on their performance in real time.
- Students achieve higher scores on classroom assessments.
- Students require less reinforcement of concepts and skills.
- Students master targeted standards on an accelerated timeline.
Answer to question 12
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) Guided practice is the process of supporting students as they make their first attempt at a new concept. The teacher provides praise, prompts, and corrective and immediate feedback as students work through an activity. This approach helps ensure that students learn concepts and skills accurately and helps prevent students from internalizing misconceptions.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0002) Guided practice is the process of supporting students as they make their first attempt at a new concept. The teacher provides praise, prompts, and corrective and immediate feedback as students work through an activity. This approach helps ensure that students learn concepts and skills accurately and helps prevent students from internalizing misconceptions.
Question 13
13. An early elementary teacher can best promote learning for students who are highly creative by:
- encouraging their participation in small- and large-group activities over individual activities.
- ensuring that they clearly understand the criteria that will be used to evaluate their work.
- providing them with frequent opportunities to experiment with materials and ideas.
- emphasizing the final products they create or the outcomes of activities over the processes they use.
Answer to question 13
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) Hallmark characteristics of highly creative individuals include divergent thinking abilities and making connections between things that others do not immediately or easily recognize. Experimentation with materials and ideas enables highly creative students to access and enhance these abilities. This approach is responsive to creative students' strengths, which is key in promoting effective learning.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) Hallmark characteristics of highly creative individuals include divergent thinking abilities and making connections between things that others do not immediately or easily recognize. Experimentation with materials and ideas enables highly creative students to access and enhance these abilities. This approach is responsive to creative students' strengths, which is key in promoting effective learning.
Question 14
14. Elaboration as a learning strategy is best used with elementary school students
to support their ability to:
- focus their mental processes on a particular environmental stimulus.
- evaluate the usefulness of information in relation to a particular need.
- apply logical-reasoning processes to abstract concepts.
- use their current knowledge to interpret and understand new material.
Answer to question 14
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Elaboration is when a student expands
upon content to be learned (e.g., creating a sentence, making an analogy). Elaboration
connects, or bridges, information to be learned with what students already know,
creating efficiency of learning and memory. The more connections students can make
between the new information and what they already know, the more readily they can
retrieve and apply the new information in other contexts.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Elaboration is when a student expands upon content to be learned (e.g., creating a sentence, making an analogy). Elaboration connects, or bridges, information to be learned with what students already know, creating efficiency of learning and memory. The more connections students can make between the new information and what they already know, the more readily they can retrieve and apply the new information in other contexts.
Question 15
15. At the beginning of the school year, a fourth-grade teacher learns that the class
will include a student with an emotional or behavioral disorder (EBD). Which of
the following actions by the teacher would be most effective in supporting the needs
of this student?
- providing a structured classroom environment with predictable schedules and routines
- incorporating into the learning environment materials that provide intensive visual
and auditory stimulation
- implementing a system of concrete rewards for the student's mastery of specific
academic skills
- making a practice of having the student repeat directions back to the teacher to
ensure understanding
Answer to question 15
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0003) The academic and social demands
of school and classroom present unique challenges for students with emotional or
behavioral disorders who often struggle to control their actions and work productively.
Providing a carefully structured learning environment with regard to physical arrangement,
scheduling, routines, and rules of conduct is an evidence-based practice that can
help prevent overstimulation and reduce the anxiety that can trigger emotional outbursts
or negative behaviors.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0003) The academic and social demands of school and classroom present unique challenges for students with emotional or behavioral disorders who often struggle to control their actions and work productively. Providing a carefully structured learning environment with regard to physical arrangement, scheduling, routines, and rules of conduct is an evidence-based practice that can help prevent overstimulation and reduce the anxiety that can trigger emotional outbursts or negative behaviors.
Question 16
16. A third-grade teacher makes a practice of coming to school early each day and staying
late three afternoons a week. The teacher informs students of this practice at the
beginning of the year and explains that they are welcome to come in during those
times if they need help with what they are learning in class. The most important
benefit of this approach is that it:
- reinforces to students that each of them is responsible for asking for assistance
when it is needed.
- allows the teacher to identify those students in the class who are the most motivated
to learn.
- reduces students' tendency to make excuses when they have not performed as expected.
- conveys to students the teacher's commitment to helping each of them become successful
learners.
Answer to question 16
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Students like to know that
their teachers are approachable. A teacher's actions and attitudes influence students'
attitudes toward learning as well as their performance. The teacher in this scenario
is demonstrating a student-centered approach that communicates the teacher's belief
in the value of learning and in students' ability to learn. Students tend to perform
or fail according to their teacher's expectations and attitudes, and this teacher's
actions are focused on student success.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Students like to know that their teachers are approachable. A teacher's actions and attitudes influence students' attitudes toward learning as well as their performance. The teacher in this scenario is demonstrating a student-centered approach that communicates the teacher's belief in the value of learning and in students' ability to learn. Students tend to perform or fail according to their teacher's expectations and attitudes, and this teacher's actions are focused on student success.
Question 17
17. A new teacher is reviewing the social studies textbook and observes that the text
fails to adequately represent diverse groups and perspectives. In this situation,
the most appropriate start italics first end italics step for the teacher to take is to:
- alert the textbook publishers to the lack of diversity in their materials.
- request that the principal personally evaluate the textbook.
- seek out resources that are rich in diversity to supplement the textbook.
- discard the textbook in favor of teacher-created materials.
Answer to question 17
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) Teachers have an obligation to present students with well-rounded content
that represents diversity in all of its forms. While a teacher may have little or
no flexibility with regard to the textbook used for instruction, the availability
of a broad range of online and other materials on many topics allows teachers to
supplement textbook content with relative ease. The teacher may wish to express
concerns about current textbooks to the appropriate individuals, but should take
immediate steps to provide students with enriched instruction in the meantime.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) Teachers have an obligation to present students with well-rounded content that represents diversity in all of its forms. While a teacher may have little or no flexibility with regard to the textbook used for instruction, the availability of a broad range of online and other materials on many topics allows teachers to supplement textbook content with relative ease. The teacher may wish to express concerns about current textbooks to the appropriate individuals, but should take immediate steps to provide students with enriched instruction in the meantime.
Question 18
18. Which of the following behavioral characteristics is most commonly observed in students
who are intellectually gifted?
- emphasizing group needs over personal preferences during group activities
- exhibiting intense concentration and a high degree of persistence in areas of interest
- applying well-developed organizational skills to manage many tasks at one time
- demonstrating a preference for highly structured or concrete learning experiences
Answer to question 18
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Checklists of common characteristics
of gifted students as developed by the National Association for Gifted Children
include persistence and intense concentration in areas of interest among the traits
frequently associated with general intellectual ability. In contrast, gifted students
often ignore or spend minimal time and attention on topics that do not interest
them.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Checklists of common characteristics of gifted students as developed by the National Association for Gifted Children include persistence and intense concentration in areas of interest among the traits frequently associated with general intellectual ability. In contrast, gifted students often ignore or spend minimal time and attention on topics that do not interest them.
Question 19
19. Which of the following strategies by a second-grade teacher most effectively reinforces
the concept of honor as represented in many American Indian cultures?
- discussing with students as a group how inappropriate behavior can affect their
own and their peers' learning
- displaying drawings, stories, and other products students create about their families
prominently in the classroom
- holding a class meeting at the end of each grading period to recognize highest achieving
students in each subject area
- planning an event for grandparents or family elders to visit the class for lunch,
storytelling, and student performances
Answer to question 19
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) The belief system of many American Indian tribes includes recognizing
and honoring the age, knowledge, and wisdom of the elders. In American Indian traditions,
the grandmother is the first teacher of the children. The community as a whole pays
special attention to elders by recognizing them at special events.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) The belief system of many American Indian tribes includes recognizing and honoring the age, knowledge, and wisdom of the elders. In American Indian traditions, the grandmother is the first teacher of the children. The community as a whole pays special attention to elders by recognizing them at special events.
Question 20
20. An eighth-grade English language learner performs at the expanding level of English proficiency. The student performs at or near grade level academically and is able to read and comprehend most grade-level texts. The student can write a coherent essay with the use of a graphic organizer. Which of the following strategies would best support this student's continued language acquisition and academic growth?
- ensuring that the student has frequent opportunities to converse with peers in social contexts
- acquiring translated texts for the student when introducing complex concepts and ideas
- providing the student with ongoing explicit instruction in discipline-specific vocabulary
- using open-response formats when assessing the student's mastery of new content
Answer to question 20
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) English language learners performing at the expanding level of English proficiency often read with considerable fluency and are able to locate and identify specific facts within the text, but may have comprehension difficulties with vocabulary that is abstract, has multiple meanings, or is decontextualized. English language learners at all levels often have limited exposure to discipline-specific language outside of school and, as a result, rarely use it in conversation. The provision of explicit instruction in this area will support the continued academic growth and success of an English language learner who has a strong grasp of English in most other contexts.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) English language learners performing at the expanding level of English proficiency often read with considerable fluency and are able to locate and identify specific facts within the text, but may have comprehension difficulties with vocabulary that is abstract, has multiple meanings, or is decontextualized. English language learners at all levels often have limited exposure to discipline-specific language outside of school and, as a result, rarely use it in conversation. The provision of explicit instruction in this area will support the continued academic growth and success of an English language learner who has a strong grasp of English in most other contexts.
Question 21
21. A teacher's class includes a number of students who are Ojibwe American Indian. To plan responsive instruction and learning environments for these students, the teacher should be aware that the Ojibwe culture traditionally places the greatest value on:
- adherence to assigned roles within the family or clan.
- pride in personal accomplishments and publicly recognizing achievement.
- cooperation and working together for a common purpose.
- ability to understand multiple perspectives of a problem or issue.
Answer to question 21
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) The Ojibwe people have a strong connection with the natural world. The cycle of the year and the cycles of life represent their philosophy of connectivity and interdependence. The values of sharing, cooperation, and working together for common purpose or good stem from this philosophy and are fundamental to the belief system of the Ojibwe.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) The Ojibwe people have a strong connection with the natural world. The cycle of the year and the cycles of life represent their philosophy of connectivity and interdependence. The values of sharing, cooperation, and working together for common purpose or good stem from this philosophy and are fundamental to the belief system of the Ojibwe.
Question 22
22. Effective conflict-resolution strategies most often begin with which of the following steps?
- having the individuals involved define the problem that is the source of the conflict
- engaging the individuals involved in a discussion to determine who initiated the conflict
- working together to generate several possible resolutions to the conflict
- reviewing potential consequences for failing to resolve the conflict
Answer to question 22
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Effective conflict resolution strategies are a form of social problem solving. Across many accepted models for social problem solving, there is general consensus that the first step is to accurately identify the problem at hand. This step involves determining the most important issue to be resolved.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Effective conflict resolution strategies are a form of social problem solving. Across many accepted models for social problem solving, there is general consensus that the first step is to accurately identify the problem at hand. This step involves determining the most important issue to be resolved.
Question 23
23. Which of the following statements best describes a student who is exhibiting learned
helplessness?
- The student wants to select a different topic for a science project because the
student does not find the assigned topic interesting.
- The student makes no attempt to complete a writing assignment after receiving poor
grades on three previous writing assignments.
- The student observes as a classmate models the correct way to capture video using
a digital camera.
- The student asks the teacher to create a tracking chart so the student can monitor
progress in achieving learning standards in mathematics.
Answer to question 23
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004)
Learned helplessness is a phenomenon in which individuals who have failed at tasks
in the past conclude erroneously that they are incapable of improving their performance.
Students who believe that failure is due to lack of control or ability give up easily.
Effort seems futile to them because they believe that the failures will persist
and will always be there to affect their achievement.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004) Learned helplessness is a phenomenon in which individuals who have failed at tasks in the past conclude erroneously that they are incapable of improving their performance. Students who believe that failure is due to lack of control or ability give up easily. Effort seems futile to them because they believe that the failures will persist and will always be there to affect their achievement.
Question 24
24. A third-grade class includes students who struggle in mathematics. Whenever the
teacher introduces a mathematics activity, these students usually respond by saying
the activity is too hard. They may make a half-hearted effort to complete the activity
but quit at the first sign of difficulty. The teacher can best respond to this tendency
by incorporating which of the following strategies into classroom practice?
- engaging students in contests and issuing challenges to spark their competitive
spirit
- leading discussions with students about success-related concepts such as perseverance
- lowering expectations for learning to reduce undue performance anxiety that students
may feel
- emphasizing the concept of continuous improvement and stressing the importance of
effort
Answer to question 24
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) Students who
consistently struggle in a given content area often experience low motivation. Teachers
can enhance students' motivation by focusing on small improvements and distinctions
over time. By linking students' success to effort, teachers help students gain confidence
in their abilities. Encouraging students to try a bit more with each success reinforces
the concept of "personal best" and helps them recognize that consistent effort over
time produces the greatest results and that problems should be viewed as situational
and temporary.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) Students who consistently struggle in a given content area often experience low motivation. Teachers can enhance students' motivation by focusing on small improvements and distinctions over time. By linking students' success to effort, teachers help students gain confidence in their abilities. Encouraging students to try a bit more with each success reinforces the concept of "personal best" and helps them recognize that consistent effort over time produces the greatest results and that problems should be viewed as situational and temporary.
Question 25
25. Which of the following strategies by a fourth-grade teacher is likely to be the
most effective start italics first end italics step in creating a positive classroom climate?
- using techniques such as informal conversations and surveys to get to know each
student as an individual
- posting inspirational quotations about values such as kindness and generosity throughout
the classroom
- creating a quiet area in the classroom where students can go if they feel overwhelmed
or angry
- assigning each student a partner at the beginning of the school year to provide
academic support
Answer to question 25
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004)
A teacher who makes an effort to get to know students as individuals communicates
to students that they are valued members of the classroom community. This feeling
of individual worth is a necessary precondition in building a respectful and supportive
learning community.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) A teacher who makes an effort to get to know students as individuals communicates to students that they are valued members of the classroom community. This feeling of individual worth is a necessary precondition in building a respectful and supportive learning community.
Question 26
26. During a unit on healthy eating habits, students in a sixth-grade class become interested in the topic of childhood obesity and the various risk factors associated with this problem. The teacher helps students conduct research, examine various media messages, and create a public service announcement to raise awareness of the issue. Which of the following principles of psychology and learning does the teacher's approach best reflect?
- Assisting students in transferring learning to new contexts leads to deeper learning.
- Developing students' background knowledge influences learning and conceptual growth.
- Supporting students in developing organization and planning skills improves learning.
- Helping students adopt mastery goals encourages persistence with learning tasks.
Answer to question 26
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Learning is based on context, so generalizing learning to new contexts must be facilitated. One method of this is to have students use their understanding of a particular topic to generate potential solutions for a real-world problem. This process, in turn, leads to deeper learning about a concept or issue.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Learning is based on context, so generalizing learning to new contexts must be facilitated. One method of this is to have students use their understanding of a particular topic to generate potential solutions for a real-world problem. This process, in turn, leads to deeper learning about a concept or issue.
Question 27
27. Students are more likely to remain focused on goals and persist despite setbacks when they develop a perception that:
- skills continue to emerge as the individual grows.
- ability can be developed and success is related to effort.
- learning is a series of small achievements.
- assessment is ongoing and peers are achieving at similar levels.
Answer to question 27
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004) Carol Dweck coined the terms "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset" to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. When students believe they can get smarter (a growth mindset), they understand that effort makes them stronger. Dweck's research revealed that a growth mindset can be developed, and when it is, it leads to increased motivation and achievement.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004) Carol Dweck coined the terms "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset" to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. When students believe they can get smarter (a growth mindset), they understand that effort makes them stronger. Dweck's research revealed that a growth mindset can be developed, and when it is, it leads to increased motivation and achievement.
Question 28
28. Each day before lunch, a third-grade teacher takes three to five minutes to help students prepare for afternoon activities by having them place the materials they will need for the afternoon (e.g., journal, textbook) on the corner of their desk. The teacher makes announcements as needed and then places a reminder on the board about what students should do first when returning from lunch. This practice is likely to be most effective in:
- fostering in students a sense of responsibility for their learning.
- maximizing the time students are engaged in productive learning.
- balancing teacher-centered and student-centered learning activities.
- enhancing students' ability to direct their own learning.
Answer to question 28
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The steps the teacher takes help ensure that students have the appropriate materials ready when they return from lunch. The reminder on the board helps students recall what task or activity they are expected to begin upon their return to the classroom. These steps structure the students' transition from lunch to classroom and enables them to begin work very quickly. This in turn allows for an increase in productive learning time.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The steps the teacher takes help ensure that students have the appropriate materials ready when they return from lunch. The reminder on the board helps students recall what task or activity they are expected to begin upon their return to the classroom. These steps structure the students' transition from lunch to classroom and enables them to begin work very quickly. This in turn allows for an increase in productive learning time.
Question 29
29. A kindergarten student has been misbehaving in minor ways, such as being silly during
circle activities and interrupting peers during center time. The teacher can best
begin to address this issue by:
- having the student sit and work in an area apart from classmates as long as the
negative behaviors continue.
- asking the student to consider how one student's negative behavior can affect other
students.
- using thumbs-up or thumbs-down hand signals to help the student distinguish between
positive and negative behaviors.
- providing the student with more attention for positive behaviors than for negative
behaviors.
Answer to question 29
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0005) Students who
do not get enough positive attention will often settle for negative attention. A
student is more likely to repeat a behavior that gains praise and positive attention.
Students who typically have behavioral difficulties also have times when they are
behaving appropriately, and using positive reinforcement to strengthen a desired
behavior is an evidence-based approach for beginning to change problem behaviors.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0005) Students who do not get enough positive attention will often settle for negative attention. A student is more likely to repeat a behavior that gains praise and positive attention. Students who typically have behavioral difficulties also have times when they are behaving appropriately, and using positive reinforcement to strengthen a desired behavior is an evidence-based approach for beginning to change problem behaviors.
Question 30
30. Which of the following factors in an elementary classroom is likely to contribute
most to a loss of instructional time?
- limited use of assigned seating
- ineffective transition routines
- unappealing or worn materials
- inadequate technological resources
Answer to question 30
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) Transitions are periods of time when teachers
direct students to end one task and begin another. For example, if students make
an average of ten transitions in a school day of five minutes each, 50 minutes of
instructional time is lost each day. Effective transitions are streamlined, explicitly
taught, and have clear endings and beginnings; they minimize disruptions and off-task
behavior. Less time spent on transitions means more time available for teaching
and learning.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) Transitions are periods of time when teachers direct students to end one task and begin another. For example, if students make an average of ten transitions in a school day of five minutes each, 50 minutes of instructional time is lost each day. Effective transitions are streamlined, explicitly taught, and have clear endings and beginnings; they minimize disruptions and off-task behavior. Less time spent on transitions means more time available for teaching and learning.
Question 31
31. A fifth-grade teacher wants to provide students with opportunities to develop their
group decision-making and problem-solving skills. Using which of the following techniques
with students on a regular basis would best address this goal?
- peer assessment
- class meetings
- dialogue journals
- academic competitions
Answer to question 31
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) A class meeting is a specific time
set aside for students to come together to discuss classroom issues as a group.
Class meetings empower students by giving them a voice and an opportunity to share
how they feel and suggest ways to make the classroom a better place to learn. Practice
with the class meeting process enables students to become adept problem-solvers.
When students choose solutions to problems, they have a stake in the outcome.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) A class meeting is a specific time set aside for students to come together to discuss classroom issues as a group. Class meetings empower students by giving them a voice and an opportunity to share how they feel and suggest ways to make the classroom a better place to learn. Practice with the class meeting process enables students to become adept problem-solvers. When students choose solutions to problems, they have a stake in the outcome.
Question 32
32. A second-grade teacher creates several interest areas in the classroom. For example,
one area has headphones and audiobooks related to the current science unit, another
area is equipped with rulers and objects for measuring, and a third area provides
materials and instructions for creating various origami figures. Students may visit
these areas when they finish assigned tasks. This approach is likely to be most
effective in achieving which of the following goals?
- providing students with contextualized learning experiences
- promoting students' perception of themselves as capable learners
- creating a responsive classroom learning environment
- encouraging students' continued engagement in productive learning
Answer to question 32
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0005) In a class
of second graders, some students may complete seatwork and assigned tasks more quickly
than others. Interest centers provide these students with a selection of activities
they can pursue while waiting for others to finish assignments, a proactive approach
for preventing off-task behavior and lost learning time. In addition, the specific
materials and activities the teacher has chosen for the interest centers prompt
students to practice important concepts and skills.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0005) In a class of second graders, some students may complete seatwork and assigned tasks more quickly than others. Interest centers provide these students with a selection of activities they can pursue while waiting for others to finish assignments, a proactive approach for preventing off-task behavior and lost learning time. In addition, the specific materials and activities the teacher has chosen for the interest centers prompt students to practice important concepts and skills.
Question 33
33. In the first few days of the school year, a sixth-grade teacher discusses the following topics with students.
- How we will treat each other
- How we will learn together
- How I feel about being a teacher and having you as my students
- Behavior standards students and the teacher are expected to meet
This approach is likely to be most effective in helping the teacher achieve which of the following goals?
- ensuring that students have the tools needed to resolve conflicts fairly
- promoting students' ability to participate fully in classroom decisions
- establishing the foundation for a productive student learning community
- providing a learning environment that is responsive to students' individual needs
Answer to question 33
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) The beginning of the school year offers opportunities to set the stage for successful learning. Research has shown a high level of cooperative, on-task behaviors when students know and understand expectations for classroom interactions and behaviors. The topics described in the scenario will enable the teacher to emphasize concepts and values related to academic achievement, personal responsibility, social responsibility, and equity and fairness.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) The beginning of the school year offers opportunities to set the stage for successful learning. Research has shown a high level of cooperative, on-task behaviors when students know and understand expectations for classroom interactions and behaviors. The topics described in the scenario will enable the teacher to emphasize concepts and values related to academic achievement, personal responsibility, social responsibility, and equity and fairness.
Question 34
34. The most important benefit of using a logical consequences approach to classroom management is that this approach is designed to:
- minimize interruptions to instructional time.
- help children learn to take responsibility for their actions.
- increase efficiency of routines and procedures.
- provide children with a problem-solving model for real life.
Answer to question 34
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The goal of logical consequences is to help children develop internal understanding, self-control, and a desire to follow the rules. The logical consequences approach is based on the belief that, with reflection and practice, children will want to do better. The steps involved in logical consequences help children look more closely at their behaviors and consider the results of their choices.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The goal of logical consequences is to help children develop internal understanding, self-control, and a desire to follow the rules. The logical consequences approach is based on the belief that, with reflection and practice, children will want to do better. The steps involved in logical consequences help children look more closely at their behaviors and consider the results of their choices.
Question 35
35. Students in a fourth-grade class are completing a health activity and getting ready to begin mathematics class. The teacher gives the students a number of directions, such as how to put away materials, what work to turn in and what to do for homework, and the materials they will need for mathematics. This results in a great deal of confusion and many questions from students. The teacher soon realizes that ten minutes of the mathematics period have passed before students are all ready to begin. The teacher can best avoid this problem in the future by using which of the following strategies?
- praising those students who complete each direction without having to ask for help
- waiting for all students to complete one direction before giving the next direction to the class
- limiting the number of verbal directions the teacher gives to students at one time
- having the students repeat the directions back to the teacher as a class
Answer to question 35
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) Though students at this age level are able to retain and recall more than one direction at a time, multiple directions that involve more than one step can be confusing and difficult for the students to follow. Limiting the number of directions issued at one time facilitates completion of the assigned task in a more efficient and less time-consuming manner.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) Though students at this age level are able to retain and recall more than one direction at a time, multiple directions that involve more than one step can be confusing and difficult for the students to follow. Limiting the number of directions issued at one time facilitates completion of the assigned task in a more efficient and less time-consuming manner.
Question 36
36. According to accepted communication theory, an individual is likely to be most successful
in achieving communication goals when his or her message is:
- delivered with confidence and authority.
- presented using the most basic language structures possible.
- tailored to reach the target audience.
- accompanied by a variety of gestures and nonverbal cues.
Answer to question 36
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) An effectively delivered
message, whether written, verbal, or visual, is audience-centered and uses language
appropriate to the audience. For example, speaking to a room of sixth-grade students
calls for different language than speaking to a room of educators. Tailoring a message
to the specific audience conveys respect, promotes engagement, and helps ensure
that the audience hears the message as it is intended.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) An effectively delivered message, whether written, verbal, or visual, is audience-centered and uses language appropriate to the audience. For example, speaking to a room of sixth-grade students calls for different language than speaking to a room of educators. Tailoring a message to the specific audience conveys respect, promotes engagement, and helps ensure that the audience hears the message as it is intended.
Question 37
37. Which of the following activities represents the most appropriate and effective
use of video media to enrich student learning?
- Students practice Internet keyword searches by locating online video clips on a
given topic.
- After reading a literature book, students view and discuss the movie version of
the book.
- Students who turn in all homework for the week watch an age-appropriate movie on
a classroom computer.
- Following a schoolwide culture fair, students view the teacher's video recording
of the event.
Answer to question 37
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Considering a film adaptation of
a literary work prompts students to compare similarities and differences in the
two formats and to evaluate the strengths and limitations of each. This type of
discussion activity requires higher-order thinking skills, is interactive, and is
tied directly to a previous learning experience. Examining both movie and print
versions of a literary work provides a richer experience for students than either
would alone.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Considering a film adaptation of a literary work prompts students to compare similarities and differences in the two formats and to evaluate the strengths and limitations of each. This type of discussion activity requires higher-order thinking skills, is interactive, and is tied directly to a previous learning experience. Examining both movie and print versions of a literary work provides a richer experience for students than either would alone.
Question 38
38. One of a second-grade teacher's goals is to expand students' written expression.
During a unit on autumn, students will write descriptive paragraphs about pumpkins.
Before assigning the paragraph, the teacher brings in a large pumpkin to carve.
While carving the pumpkin, the teacher gives students a chance to examine pieces
of the rind and the seeds and discuss how they smell and feel. Which of the following
additional prewriting strategies would best enhance students' written expression?
- helping students create a semantic map of words and ideas about pumpkins
- encouraging students to give the pumpkin a name
- having students draw or paint pictures of the pumpkin before and after carving
- giving each student a pumpkin seed to plant in a cup
Answer to question 38
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) An essential element
in promoting students' written expression is showing them how to develop and organize
what they want to say. A semantic map is a form of graphic organizer that helps
students visualize various connections between words and ideas. Semantic maps often
resemble spiders, with lines connecting a central concept to a variety of related
words and phrases.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) An essential element in promoting students' written expression is showing them how to develop and organize what they want to say. A semantic map is a form of graphic organizer that helps students visualize various connections between words and ideas. Semantic maps often resemble spiders, with lines connecting a central concept to a variety of related words and phrases.
Question 39
39. Students in a sixth-grade science class are studying lakes. Which of the following
teacher questions related to this topic would best promote students' divergent thinking?
- "How frequently are lake levels monitored for the purpose of evaluating the overall
health of the ecosystem?"
- "Which region of the state has the most square miles of lakes?"
- "How would the lake ecosystem be affected if drought caused lake levels to fall
for three successive years?"
- "Which lakes draw the greatest number of tourists to the state each year?"
Answer to question 39
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) Divergent thinking is a
thought process used to generate ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Divergent
thinking typically occurs in a free-flowing manner. Open-ended questions allow for
a variety of possible responses and are intentionally designed to provoke divergent
thinking by encouraging students to think at a deeper level than rote memory.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0006) Divergent thinking is a thought process used to generate ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Divergent thinking typically occurs in a free-flowing manner. Open-ended questions allow for a variety of possible responses and are intentionally designed to provoke divergent thinking by encouraging students to think at a deeper level than rote memory.
Question 40
40. An elementary school teacher regularly meets with individual students to informally discuss topics such as their academic progress and their activities outside of school. Which of the following nonverbal strategies by the teacher would best promote effective communication with students during these meetings?
- facing the student with an open posture
- maintaining continuous eye contact with the student
- placing a hand on the student's shoulder
- making frequent notes on the student's comments
Answer to question 40
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) An open posture is one in which the individual's arms are relaxed at the sides. Facing the student in this posture conveys that the teacher welcomes the student's comments and is ready to listen to whatever the student has to say. This posture is appropriate in most cultures so it does not inadvertently cause offense or discomfort.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) An open posture is one in which the individual's arms are relaxed at the sides. Facing the student in this posture conveys that the teacher welcomes the student's comments and is ready to listen to whatever the student has to say. This posture is appropriate in most cultures so it does not inadvertently cause offense or discomfort.