For my Level 4 LP Student: Social Cultural theory

Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of human learning describes learning as a social process and the origination of human intelligence in society or culture. The major theme of Vygotsky’s theoretical framework is that social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition. Vygotsky believed everything is learned on two levels.  

First, through interaction with others, and then integrated into the individual’s mental structure.

Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). This applies equally to voluntary attention, to logical memory, and to the formation of concepts. All the higher functions originate as actual relationships between individuals. (Vygotsky, 1978, p.57)

A second aspect of Vygotsky’s theory is the idea that the potential for cognitive development is limited to a "zone of proximal development" (ZPD). This "zone" is the area of exploration for which the student is cognitively prepared, but requires help and social interaction to fully develop (Briner, 1999). A teacher or more experienced peer is able to provide the learner with "scaffolding" to support the student’s evolving understanding of knowledge domains or

development of complex skills. Collaborative learning, discourse, modelling, and scaffolding are strategies for supporting the intellectual knowledge and skills of learners and facilitating intentional learning.

The implications of Vygotsky theory are that learners should be provided with socially rich environments in which to explore knowledge domains with their fellow students, teachers and outside experts. 

(Available from: http://portal.unesco.org/education/)

Also look at the attached link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_Zk2CxfLo

In summer it can be described as follows: 

 Good luck with your studies. 

Regards, 

Mr. Keyser 

Rough Zulu translation: 

Theory Vygotsky sika sociocultural kwekufundza womuntu ichaza yokufunda njengoba inqubo yezenhlalo kanye origination kokuhlakanipha kwabantu emphakathini noma isiko. The oyinhloko wencwadi uhlaka Vygotsky sika theory wukuthi nokuxhumana kwezenhlalo kudlala indima eliyisisekelo ekuthuthukiseni cognition. Vygotsky wakholwa konke kufundwa lokhu ngezindlela ezimbili. 
Okokuqala, ngokusebenzisa ukuxhumana nabanye, bese ihlanganiswe zibe isakhiwo kwengqondo yomuntu. 

Wonke umsebenzi nentuthuko yengane zamasiko livela kabili: okokuqala, on ezingeni social, futhi kamuva, ezingeni muntu; kuqala, phakathi kwabantu (interpsychological) bese kuba ngaphakathi ingane (intrapsychological). Lokhu kusebenza ngendlela efanayo ekunakekeleni ngokuzithandela, ukuba inkumbulo enengqondo, futhi ukwakhiwa imiqondo. Zonke imisebenzi aphezulu asuka njengoba ubudlelwano zangempela phakathi kwabantu. (Vygotsky, 1978, p.57) 

A isici theory Vygotsky sika yesibili umbono wokuthi izinto nentuthuko ephawulekayo elinganiselwe "indawo yentuthuko proximal" (ZPD). Leli "indawo" lithi indawo ukuhlola for okuyinto umfundi cognitively ulungiswe, kodwa kudinga usizo nokuxhumana social kutfutfukisa ngokugcwele (Briner, 1999). Uthisha noma untanga nakho uyakwazi ukunikeza umfundi 'scaffolding "ukusekela elokhu ivela ukuqonda komfundi of domain ulwazi noma 
ukuthuthukiswa kwamakhono eziyinkimbinkimbi. Nokufunda ngokubambisana, inkulumo, Sokuzenzela, futhi scaffolding kuyizinto amasu ngokweseka elwatini engqondo namakhono abafundi kanye lula nokufunda ngenhloso. 

Okushiwo Vygotsky theory kukhona ukuthi abafundi kumele unikezwe endaweni rich emphakathini lapho ukuhlola emikhakheni ulwazi nge abafundi nabo, othisha kanye nochwepheshe ngaphandle. 

(Kuyatholakala kusuka: http://portal.unesco.org/education/)

Level 2 LP: Example of test 2: 2011

QUESTION 2

Multiple choice:  Choose the most correct answer and write the appropriate letter next to the question number on your answer sheet.  

2.1     Which one of the parts of the brain controls balance, posture, movement  and   muscle coordination?                         

A       cortex

B       corpus callossum

C       cerebrum

D       cerebellum  

2.2     Which one of the parts of the brain is a thick bundle of nerves that joins the left

          and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain and lets the one half know what

          the other half is doing?                       

A       cortex

B       corpus callossum

C       cerebrum

D       cerebellum  

2.3     Which one of the parts of the brain controls basic biological needs, like heart                

          rate, temperature, sleep, urinary needs and sexual development?                         

A       thalamus

       

B       hypothalamus

C       pons

D       medulla oblongata  

2.4     Which of the following characteristics does NOT describe a left brain learner?                         

A       more comfortable with change

B       prefer words and language

C       detail orientated

D       logical and analytical  

2.5     Tiny gaps between different neurons are called:

A        dendrites

B        axons

C        synapses

D        nerve cells

                                                                                                                     (5 x 1 = 5)

QUESTION 3

True or False:  Indicate whether the following statements are true or false.  Only write T or F next to the question number on your answer sheet.

3.1    ADD is a disorder that makes it difficult for a person to concentrate, pay

        attention to, or focus on one task at a time / for long.

3.2    The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that is connected to the brain stem 

         and acts like an information highway.

3.3    The left side of the brain is more creative and artistic.

3.4    The thalamus receives information from the senses  and then sends it to the

         correct parts of the brain.

3.5    Self-confidence is inherited.

                                                                                                                      (5 x 1 = 5)

              

                                                                                 TOTAL SECTION A:  25 MARKS

SECTION B

QUESTION 4

4.1    Why is it important to study Learning Psychology if you are considering a

         career in Education?  List TWO reasons.                                                         (2)

4.2    A positive learning environment will result in learners being eager and willing to

         learn.  What factors must be kept in mind when trying to establish a positive  

         classroom / learning environment?  Write down any TWO ideas and explain

         your ideas in detail.                                                                               (2 x 2 = 4)

                                                                                                                                        

 4.3    Describe the meaning of whole brain learning?                                          (2)

4.4    Name THREE risk factors that could negatively influence brain activity.           (3)

                                                                                                                                [11]

QUESTION 5

5.1    Give a definition for Personality.                                                                       (3)

5.2    How is personality determined?                                                                       (4)

5.3    Explain what is meant by temperament.                                                          (2)

5.4    Read the Case Study below and then answer the questions that follow:

 

Case Study

Adam is 12 years old and seems to cause problems wherever he goes.  In the classroom he is rude and defiant.  On a typical school day he comes to school late, slouches in his seat, rests his feet on the desk and interrupts his classmates and educator.  He stubbornly refuses to participate in classroom activities. 

Away from his educator’s watchful eye, Adam’s behaviour is even worse.  He shoves and pushes learners in the hall, steals lunch from smaller boys in the cafeteria, and frequently initiates physical fights on the school grounds.  For obvious reasons, no-one at school likes Adam very much.  His classmates say that he’s a bully, and their parents describe him as a “bad apple”, rotten to the core.  Even his educator, who tries to find the best in all of her learners, has seen few redeeming qualities in Adam and is beginning to write him off as a lost cause.  Adam doesn’t seem to be bothered by the hostile feelings he generates.  He is counting the days until he can legally drop out of school.

5.4.1  Name two of the main personality traits which we see in Adam.                    (2)                                                                            

5.4.2  Which possible factors in his environment, at home or at school, might

          have contributed to his behaviour?                                                                 (2) 

5.4.3  Make one suggestion as to how the educator might help Adam develop

          more appropriate and productive behaviour                                                                                                         (1)                                                                                                                                       

5.4.4  Why is it important for an educator to be aware of individual differences in

          learners’ personalities?  (How does individual differences in personality /

          temperament influence learning?)                                                                   (4)

5.5    Name, define and explain the characteristics of the five broad factors of the     

         Basic structure of human personality.  (the “Big Five”)                       (5 x 3 = 15) 

                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                [33]

QUESTION 6

6.1    Define the meaning of self-concept.                                                                 (3)

6.2    Reflect on factors that affect self-concept by distinguishing between the  

         learner with a poor self-concept and one who has a good self-concept.         (6)                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                 

6.3    In your own words, using full sentences, define the term self-awareness.      (3)

                                                                                                                                                                   

6.4    Describe 4 methods to enhance self-awareness.                                            (4)

6.5    Answer the following questions with regards to self-esteem:

6.5.1    Explain the meaning of self-esteem, using full sentences.                                                                                                               (2)                                 

LP level 4: Example of test 2 from 2011.

QUESTION 2

Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Choose the answer and write only ‘true’ or ‘false’ next to the question number (2.1 – 2.10) in the ANSWER BOOK.

2.1   According to social learning theory, people will repeat behavior with positive results.
2.2   Three components of social learning theory are leaning, imitating and motivation
2.3   John B Watson applied classical conditioning to human behavior.
2.4   Bruner used a puzzle box experiment to explain how cats learn.
2.5   Shaping helps to condition behaviour quicker than it would happen naturally.
2.6   Ausubel said that learners need to be able to mentally see what they need to learn.
2.7   Schemas are generalized ways in which we classify the world and people.
2.8   Irreversibility is a task children should master by the end of the sensor motor stage of development.
2.9   Mediated learning is part of cognitive theory and refers to people and tools that assist learners

        when learning new and difficult tasks.
2.10   Scaffolding means the learner receives the same level of assistance all the time.
                                                                                                                                                 [10]

QUESTION 3

Fill in the missing terms. Write only the missing term or terms next to the question number (3.1 – 3.4)

3.1   _______ Intelligence has to do with using space practically and creatively.
3.2   The ability to create and appreciate ________ is part of intelligence.
3.3   Farmers will most likely have strong ________ intelligence.
3.4   Maturation theory says we develop new skills because of our _______ and not because of _____ .

                                                                                                                                 [5]                     

SECTION B

QUESTION 4

4.1   Discuss what happened in the Bobo doll experiment done by Bandura.                                                                                                                 [3]

4.2   Distinguish between enactive and vicarious learning?                                                                                                                                                                                           [4]

4.3   Name the three cognitive abilities that social learning theory says all people have.                                                                                                                      [3]

4.4   Discuss Edward Lee Thorndike’s law of effect.                                                                                                                    [3]

4.5   Briefly explain the Transactional modes of learning.                                                                                                                [3]

4.6   Identify two differences between maturation theory vs socio – cultural and ecological
        theory.                                                                                                            [4]

4.7   Draw a labeled diagram of the zone of proximal development. Use this diagram to briefly explain   how the zone of proximal development works                                                                                                                     [5]

                                                                                                                              [25]

QUESTION 5

5.1   Discuss the characteristics and tasks of formal operational stage (11 years to adult) in Piagets’

         theory also provide two applicable examples of your own.                                                                                                                                                                [7]

5.2   Briefly explain the role of the teacher according to the theory of maturation.                                                                                                                                                        [2]

5.3   Teachers should try to draw on and develop activities to appeal to multiple intelligence.

        Complete the table by providing  2 examples of types of activities

QUESTION 6

6.1 Graphically illustrate the steps in the problem solving process.                                                                                                          [8]

CASE STUDY

You are a Learning Psychology teacher at a FET College in Vredendal Primary School to help her Learners develop and improve their creative – thinking ideas. She also wants them to be able to express themselves freely in ways that they enjoy. As they are still very young and most of them cannot read or write you will have to be creative yourself when thinking of activities that will help her reach her goal

6.2.1    Define creative problem – solving.                                                                                                             [2]

6.2.2    Suggest seven ways in which the teacher can create an environment that will help her    
              learners to be creative.                                                                                                                                   [7]

6.3     Name and briefly discuss four techniques she can use to improve creativity in her learners.

           Keep in mind that they are only grade 1.                                                                                                    [8]

                                                                                                                                                                                                [25]

Level 2: Big 5 personalities

Traits of the Big Five personality test

Human resources professionals often use the Big Five personality dimensions to help place employees. That is because these dimensions are considered to be the underlying traits that make up an individual’s overall personality. The Big Five traits are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism or OCEAN:

Openness - People who like to learn new things and enjoy new experiences usually score high in openness. Openness includes traits like being insightful and imaginative and having a wide variety of interests.

Conscientiousness - People that have a high degree of conscientiousness are reliable and prompt. Traits include being organized, methodic, and thorough.

Extraversion - Extraverts get their energy from interacting with others, while introverts get their energy from within themselves. Extraversion includes the traits of energetic, talkative, and assertive.

Agreeableness - These individuals are friendly, cooperative, and compassionate. People with low agreeableness may be more distant. Traits include being kind, affectionate, and sympathetic.

Neuroticism - Neuroticism is also sometimes called Emotional Stability. This dimension relates to one’s emotional stability and degree of negative emotions. People that score high on neuroticism often experience emotional instability and negative emotions. Traits include being moody and tense.

How to use results from the Big Five personality test

The Big Five personality test gives you more insight into how you react in different situations, which can help you choose an occupation. Career professionals and psychologists use this information in a personality career test for recruitment and candidate assessment.

(Available from: http://www.123test.com/big-five-personality-theory/)

In reality though these five personality types are not sperat, rather we are a combinations of all five with one or two being dominant.

I hope this will help you understand the Big 5 personality types.

Regards,

Mr. Keyser

Rough Zulu translation:

Izici of test ubuntu the Big Five 

Abasebenzi ochwepheshe bavame sebenzisa Big Five ubuntu Ubukhulu ukusiza abasebenzi indawo. Lokho kungenxa yokuthi lezi Ubukhulu kucatshangwa ukuthi izici eziyimbangela akha ubuntu bomuntu jikelele. I Big izici ezinhlanu kukhona Ukuvuleleka, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, ne Neuroticism noma OCEAN: 

Kulula ukungena - Abantu bayathanda ukufunda izinto ezintsha futhi ujabulele nakho ezintsha ngokuvamile amaphuzu aphezulu ku kulula ukungena. Kulula ukungena ihlanganisa izici njengokuthanda onokuqonda futhi ngeso lengqondo nokuba ezihlukahlukene izithakazelo. 

Conscientiousness - Abantu ezibonakala elithile lelisetulu conscientiousness zithembekile futhi ngokushesha. Izici zihlanganisa kokuba ohlelekile, methodic futhi ngokuphelele. 

Extraversion - Extraverts zithole amandla abo kusuka usebenzelana nabanye, kuyilapho introverts zithole amandla abo kusuka ngaphakathi kubo. Extraversion kuhlanganisa izici Nomfutho, ikhuluma njalo, nabazikhukhumezayo. 

Agreeableness - Laba ngabanye banobungane sokubambisana, futhi unobubele. Abantu abane agreeableness low ingase ibe ezikude. Izici zazihlanganisa anomusa, uthando, futhi nozwela. 

Neuroticism - Neuroticism ibuye ngezinye izikhathi esibizwa Ukusimama ngokomzwelo. Le isici iphathelene ukuzinza komuntu ezingokomzwelo futhi degree of imizwelo engakhi. Abantu ukuthi amaphuzu uphakeme neuroticism sizibonele Ukuntengantenga ngokomzwelo nemizwelo engemihle. Izici zihlanganisa Moody ekubeni ne esishubile. 

Indlela yokusebenzisa umphumela yokuhlolwa ubuntu the Big Five 

Ukuhlolwa Ubuntu Big Five ekunika kangcono indlela usabela ezimweni ezahlukene, okungaba ukuba ukhethe umsebenzi. Career ochwepheshe kanye zokusebenza kwengqondo zisebenzisa lolu lwazi in yokuhlola ubuntu career ukunxenxa kanye owefilifa kuhlola