Learning Theories Week 3 Post 1

Q1: What did Vygotsky mean by 'zones of proximal development?'

        A: This question fits into the first level in Bloom's taxonomy; it focuses on asking a definition, and does not ask to apply or relate the term to real life or other theories, which would make it a higher level question.
  
        B: Vygotsky was referring to a range in which students' learning capabilities are effective. The zpd  is where a student feels comfortable with the information being taught. If the material is too low, the student will lose interest, however, if the material is to high and out of the zpd, the student will be lost, and unable to connect previous understanding to the one being presented.


Q2: Did we learn anything about Piaget's way of coming to his theory that might disprove or make you question his theory?

       A: This question fits into either the 4th or 5th level of Bloom's taxonomy, because it asks you to analyze Piaget's history, but also synthesize a hypothesis as to why his history lead to his theory.

       B: What we learned about Piaget, was that he used his own children as case studies in his theories. He constantly observed them and then was able to develop his ideas. What could be used to disprove his theory is the amount of bias present by using your own children as case studies. Of course they could be perfect specimens to analyze, but more likely, the children would be altered in a way that they would not represent the majority of children to base a theory around.

Q3: Support the following quotation: "When we cater to students' preferences, as expressed by "learning style," we do not help them become well-rounded learners with the flexibility to take on any challenge that comes their way."
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        A: The question fits into the 6th level of Bloom's taxonomy, because it asks us to not only develop a position on the, but it asks us to bring in previous knowledge to support the statement.

        B: This statement is true because if we teach them in a monolithic fashion that only supports the way they learn, they are not developing the skills to deal with other mediums of education. Throughout life, students will not only interact with what they are comfortable; they will be forced to comply with other facets of life. What should happen, is challenge the students to make them more capable to handle most situations that they will be forced to deal with throughout life. Catering only keeps the student in their comfort zone, and will create 'idiot savants,' where they know what they do in their own context and will not be able to go outside of their comfort zone to challenge themselves, become flexible and become well rounded.