Assessment of
Professional Knowledge
Elementary 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review | Complete
Ethics Study Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Experiential Learning "Kolb - learning through experience
1. Concrete Experience - real-life experiences
2. Observation & reflection - reflecting on real-life experiences
3. Abstract conceptualization - new ideas/understanding as a result of reflection
4. Active experimentation - experiment with new ideas and apply them (concrete) "
Action Learning Reg Revan - tackling problems in small groups with the hopes of being able to solve
issues with the support of your team.
Constructivism "Learning is more meaningful whenever students can interact with the concepts
they're trying to solve. Experiencing things first hand rather than passively listening.
Examples: Role playing, debating, cooperative learning groups, science labs, etc. "
Behaviorism "Specific behavior occurs because of:
1. the environment
2. the reinforcements/consequences set up to encourage/deter the behavior. "
Cognitive Developmental Stage Theory "Piaget - the development of the brain occurs progressively throughout childhood.
4 stages:
1. Sensorimotor (0-2 years) - understanding based upon direct, physical interaction
with the environment. (No object permanence)
2. Preoperational (2-7 years) - pretend play, using symbols to represent an object
(language), egocentric - don't realize other point of views.
3. Concrete operational (7-11 years) - imagining things, conceptualizing, using
math, (equal water in short, fat glass vs. tall, skinny glass)
4. Formal operational (11-15 years) - abstract thinking, moral reasoning"
Vygotsky "Culture is an important influence on human development.
Scaffolding is necessary in order for students to learn new, challenging things. "
Cooperative Learning Students learn best when they're working together in a group or individually
competing against others to receive awards set out by the teacher.
Sensory stimulation theory When the senses are stimulated, effective learning can take place. Students learn
by watching something being done (seeing), and then by listening to something
(hearing). Students learn best when two senses are stimulated.
Gestalt approach/Holistic Learning Theory Things should be taught with continuity and connections between concepts rather
than breaking things down into separate independent pieces. Students should
understand context of why they're doing what they're doing. Learn best through
experience.
Humanistic Approach to Learning Carl Rogers - an environment must be safe in order for students to study well.
Students learn best when they have a choice in what they want to learn and can
give feedback.
Persuasive Models Social Learning Theory be a persuasive model - teachers should demonstrate how to act in classroom and
students should know what to expect from the teacher.
Prior Knowledge Combination of one's attitudes, experiences, and previous knowledge. Can be
shaped by home environment and daily activities. Word association,
metaphors/analogies are one way to activate prior knowledge.
Professional Knowledge
Elementary 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review | Complete
Ethics Study Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Experiential Learning "Kolb - learning through experience
1. Concrete Experience - real-life experiences
2. Observation & reflection - reflecting on real-life experiences
3. Abstract conceptualization - new ideas/understanding as a result of reflection
4. Active experimentation - experiment with new ideas and apply them (concrete) "
Action Learning Reg Revan - tackling problems in small groups with the hopes of being able to solve
issues with the support of your team.
Constructivism "Learning is more meaningful whenever students can interact with the concepts
they're trying to solve. Experiencing things first hand rather than passively listening.
Examples: Role playing, debating, cooperative learning groups, science labs, etc. "
Behaviorism "Specific behavior occurs because of:
1. the environment
2. the reinforcements/consequences set up to encourage/deter the behavior. "
Cognitive Developmental Stage Theory "Piaget - the development of the brain occurs progressively throughout childhood.
4 stages:
1. Sensorimotor (0-2 years) - understanding based upon direct, physical interaction
with the environment. (No object permanence)
2. Preoperational (2-7 years) - pretend play, using symbols to represent an object
(language), egocentric - don't realize other point of views.
3. Concrete operational (7-11 years) - imagining things, conceptualizing, using
math, (equal water in short, fat glass vs. tall, skinny glass)
4. Formal operational (11-15 years) - abstract thinking, moral reasoning"
Vygotsky "Culture is an important influence on human development.
Scaffolding is necessary in order for students to learn new, challenging things. "
Cooperative Learning Students learn best when they're working together in a group or individually
competing against others to receive awards set out by the teacher.
Sensory stimulation theory When the senses are stimulated, effective learning can take place. Students learn
by watching something being done (seeing), and then by listening to something
(hearing). Students learn best when two senses are stimulated.
Gestalt approach/Holistic Learning Theory Things should be taught with continuity and connections between concepts rather
than breaking things down into separate independent pieces. Students should
understand context of why they're doing what they're doing. Learn best through
experience.
Humanistic Approach to Learning Carl Rogers - an environment must be safe in order for students to study well.
Students learn best when they have a choice in what they want to learn and can
give feedback.
Persuasive Models Social Learning Theory be a persuasive model - teachers should demonstrate how to act in classroom and
students should know what to expect from the teacher.
Prior Knowledge Combination of one's attitudes, experiences, and previous knowledge. Can be
shaped by home environment and daily activities. Word association,
metaphors/analogies are one way to activate prior knowledge.
