FPT3701 Assignment 2
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
,QUESTION 1.1: Differentiate between active learning and effective teaching. (4)
Active Learning: Active learning refers to instructional methods that engage students in the
learning process rather than having them passively receive information. It requires students to do
something – think, discuss, investigate, create – and actively participate in constructing their own
knowledge. It moves beyond rote memorization to deeper understanding, critical thinking, and
problem-solving.
Example (Mathematics - Grade 1 Addition): Instead of the teacher only demonstrating
how to add 3+2, learners use manipulatives like counting blocks or fingers to physically
combine sets of 3 and 2, and then count the total. They are actively involved in the
process of finding the sum.
Effective Teaching: Effective teaching is a broader concept encompassing various strategies,
practices, and qualities that lead to successful student learning and positive educational
outcomes. It's about optimizing the learning environment and instructional delivery to ensure that
students not only acquire knowledge but also develop skills, understanding, and a love for
learning. Effective teaching is often a result of reflective practice and a combination of
pedagogical content knowledge, classroom management skills, and an understanding of student
needs.
Example (Mathematics - Grade 1 Addition): An effective teacher, when teaching 3+2,
would not only use active learning strategies (like manipulatives) but also explain the
concept clearly, check for understanding through questioning, provide differentiated
support for struggling learners, create a positive and encouraging classroom atmosphere,
and use relevant examples from the child's world (e.g., "If you have 3 apples and your
friend gives you 2 more, how many do you have?").
Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Both active learning and effective teaching aim to improve student learning
and engagement. Effective teaching often incorporates active learning strategies as a
means to achieve its goals.
Differences: Active learning is a methodology or approach that describes how students
engage with content. Effective teaching is a broader outcome or quality that describes the
overall success of the instructional process, often achieved through a combination of
methods, including active learning, strong classroom management, clear objectives, and
appropriate assessment. One can use active learning methods, but if other elements (like
clear instruction or good classroom climate) are missing, the teaching might not be fully
effective. Conversely, effective teaching almost always involves elements of active
learning in modern pedagogy.
QUESTION 1.2.1: Identify FIVE (5) practices in Mr. Kruger’s classroom that contradict
active learning theories and approaches? (10)
, Based on the scenario, here are five practices in Mr. Kruger’s classroom that contradict active
learning theories and approaches:
1. Teacher-centered lectures as the primary teaching method: Active learning
emphasizes student engagement and participation. Mr. Kruger's reliance on lectures,
where he provides information and expects learners to listen, positions learners as passive
recipients rather than active constructors of knowledge.
2. Few questions asked by the teacher, and expectation for learners to listen and take
notes: Active learning encourages questioning, discussion, and critical thinking. Limiting
questions and focusing on note-taking indicates a one-way flow of information from
teacher to student, inhibiting active mental processing and interaction.
3. Learners are often asked to memorise facts and definitions without much emphasis
on understanding concepts (Rote learning is common): Active learning prioritizes
conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and application of knowledge. Rote
memorization without deep understanding contradicts the constructivist nature of active
learning, where learners build meaning for themselves.
4. Classroom arranged in rows of desks facing the front with the teacher’s desk
prominently placed: This traditional arrangement physically supports a teacher-
centered, lecture-based model, making collaborative work, peer-to-peer discussion, and
movement-based activities (key elements of active learning) difficult or discouraged.
5. Limited student-made displays or creative projects on the walls: Active learning
fosters creativity, student ownership, and expression through projects and displays. The
absence of these suggests a lack of opportunities for learners to actively create, apply
their learning, and showcase their understanding, reinforcing a passive learning
environment.
QUESTION 1.2.2: Share your opinion on three variables that constitute effective teaching.
(10)
Effective teaching is a complex art and science, and many variables contribute to its success. In
my opinion, three crucial variables are:
1. Deep Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Adaptability:
o Opinion: It's not enough for teachers to merely know their subject matter (content
knowledge); they must also know how to teach that subject matter effectively to
specific learners (pedagogical content knowledge). This includes understanding
common misconceptions students might have, knowing various strategies to
explain complex concepts simply, and being able to choose appropriate activities
and examples. Furthermore, adaptability is key. An effective teacher can pivot
their lesson plan mid-stream if students aren't grasping a concept, adjust their
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
,QUESTION 1.1: Differentiate between active learning and effective teaching. (4)
Active Learning: Active learning refers to instructional methods that engage students in the
learning process rather than having them passively receive information. It requires students to do
something – think, discuss, investigate, create – and actively participate in constructing their own
knowledge. It moves beyond rote memorization to deeper understanding, critical thinking, and
problem-solving.
Example (Mathematics - Grade 1 Addition): Instead of the teacher only demonstrating
how to add 3+2, learners use manipulatives like counting blocks or fingers to physically
combine sets of 3 and 2, and then count the total. They are actively involved in the
process of finding the sum.
Effective Teaching: Effective teaching is a broader concept encompassing various strategies,
practices, and qualities that lead to successful student learning and positive educational
outcomes. It's about optimizing the learning environment and instructional delivery to ensure that
students not only acquire knowledge but also develop skills, understanding, and a love for
learning. Effective teaching is often a result of reflective practice and a combination of
pedagogical content knowledge, classroom management skills, and an understanding of student
needs.
Example (Mathematics - Grade 1 Addition): An effective teacher, when teaching 3+2,
would not only use active learning strategies (like manipulatives) but also explain the
concept clearly, check for understanding through questioning, provide differentiated
support for struggling learners, create a positive and encouraging classroom atmosphere,
and use relevant examples from the child's world (e.g., "If you have 3 apples and your
friend gives you 2 more, how many do you have?").
Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Both active learning and effective teaching aim to improve student learning
and engagement. Effective teaching often incorporates active learning strategies as a
means to achieve its goals.
Differences: Active learning is a methodology or approach that describes how students
engage with content. Effective teaching is a broader outcome or quality that describes the
overall success of the instructional process, often achieved through a combination of
methods, including active learning, strong classroom management, clear objectives, and
appropriate assessment. One can use active learning methods, but if other elements (like
clear instruction or good classroom climate) are missing, the teaching might not be fully
effective. Conversely, effective teaching almost always involves elements of active
learning in modern pedagogy.
QUESTION 1.2.1: Identify FIVE (5) practices in Mr. Kruger’s classroom that contradict
active learning theories and approaches? (10)
, Based on the scenario, here are five practices in Mr. Kruger’s classroom that contradict active
learning theories and approaches:
1. Teacher-centered lectures as the primary teaching method: Active learning
emphasizes student engagement and participation. Mr. Kruger's reliance on lectures,
where he provides information and expects learners to listen, positions learners as passive
recipients rather than active constructors of knowledge.
2. Few questions asked by the teacher, and expectation for learners to listen and take
notes: Active learning encourages questioning, discussion, and critical thinking. Limiting
questions and focusing on note-taking indicates a one-way flow of information from
teacher to student, inhibiting active mental processing and interaction.
3. Learners are often asked to memorise facts and definitions without much emphasis
on understanding concepts (Rote learning is common): Active learning prioritizes
conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and application of knowledge. Rote
memorization without deep understanding contradicts the constructivist nature of active
learning, where learners build meaning for themselves.
4. Classroom arranged in rows of desks facing the front with the teacher’s desk
prominently placed: This traditional arrangement physically supports a teacher-
centered, lecture-based model, making collaborative work, peer-to-peer discussion, and
movement-based activities (key elements of active learning) difficult or discouraged.
5. Limited student-made displays or creative projects on the walls: Active learning
fosters creativity, student ownership, and expression through projects and displays. The
absence of these suggests a lack of opportunities for learners to actively create, apply
their learning, and showcase their understanding, reinforcing a passive learning
environment.
QUESTION 1.2.2: Share your opinion on three variables that constitute effective teaching.
(10)
Effective teaching is a complex art and science, and many variables contribute to its success. In
my opinion, three crucial variables are:
1. Deep Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Adaptability:
o Opinion: It's not enough for teachers to merely know their subject matter (content
knowledge); they must also know how to teach that subject matter effectively to
specific learners (pedagogical content knowledge). This includes understanding
common misconceptions students might have, knowing various strategies to
explain complex concepts simply, and being able to choose appropriate activities
and examples. Furthermore, adaptability is key. An effective teacher can pivot
their lesson plan mid-stream if students aren't grasping a concept, adjust their
