Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching K-6: Praxis PLT 5622 Exam
Secrets Study Guide [2nd Edition]
Praxis PLT K–6 (5622) — Questions 1–20
I. Student Development and Learning
1. According to Piaget, students in grades K–2 are typically in which stage of cognitive
development?
A) Sensorimotor
B) Preoperational
C) Concrete operational
D) Formal operational
✔ Correct Answer: B — Preoperational
Rationale: Children ages 2–7 think symbolically but lack logical operations.
2. Which characteristic best describes students in the concrete operational stage?
A) Abstract reasoning
B) Egocentric thinking
C) Logical thinking about concrete objects
D) Trial-and-error learning
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Concrete operational learners (ages 7–11) think logically about real objects and events.
3. Which theorist emphasized learning through social interaction and language?
A) Piaget
B) Skinner
C) Vygotsky
D) Bandura
✔ Correct Answer: C — Vygotsky
Rationale: Vygotsky stressed social learning and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
4. The Zone of Proximal Development refers to:
A) Skills a student can do independently
B) Skills a student cannot do at all
C) Skills a student can do with guidance
D) Learned behaviors through repetition
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ZPD includes tasks achievable with teacher or peer support.
, 5. Which factor most strongly influences a student’s motivation to learn?
A) Classroom size
B) Prior knowledge
C) Teacher expectations
D) Student height
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High expectations positively impact motivation and achievement.
II. Learning Processes & Instructional Strategies
6. Which strategy best supports diverse learners in a K–6 classroom?
A) One teaching method for all students
B) Differentiated instruction
C) Strict lecture format
D) Independent work only
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Differentiation adapts instruction to varied learning needs.
7. Scaffolding refers to:
A) Testing student mastery
B) Removing support immediately
C) Providing temporary instructional support
D) Grouping students by ability permanently
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scaffolding provides guidance that is gradually withdrawn.
8. Which instructional approach promotes higher-order thinking?
A) Memorization
B) Drill and practice
C) Problem-based learning
D) Rote learning
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Problem-based learning encourages analysis and critical thinking.
9. Which activity best supports kinesthetic learners?
A) Listening to a lecture
B) Reading silently
C) Hands-on experiments
D) Watching videos
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kinesthetic learners benefit from physical activity and manipulation.
Secrets Study Guide [2nd Edition]
Praxis PLT K–6 (5622) — Questions 1–20
I. Student Development and Learning
1. According to Piaget, students in grades K–2 are typically in which stage of cognitive
development?
A) Sensorimotor
B) Preoperational
C) Concrete operational
D) Formal operational
✔ Correct Answer: B — Preoperational
Rationale: Children ages 2–7 think symbolically but lack logical operations.
2. Which characteristic best describes students in the concrete operational stage?
A) Abstract reasoning
B) Egocentric thinking
C) Logical thinking about concrete objects
D) Trial-and-error learning
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Concrete operational learners (ages 7–11) think logically about real objects and events.
3. Which theorist emphasized learning through social interaction and language?
A) Piaget
B) Skinner
C) Vygotsky
D) Bandura
✔ Correct Answer: C — Vygotsky
Rationale: Vygotsky stressed social learning and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
4. The Zone of Proximal Development refers to:
A) Skills a student can do independently
B) Skills a student cannot do at all
C) Skills a student can do with guidance
D) Learned behaviors through repetition
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ZPD includes tasks achievable with teacher or peer support.
, 5. Which factor most strongly influences a student’s motivation to learn?
A) Classroom size
B) Prior knowledge
C) Teacher expectations
D) Student height
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High expectations positively impact motivation and achievement.
II. Learning Processes & Instructional Strategies
6. Which strategy best supports diverse learners in a K–6 classroom?
A) One teaching method for all students
B) Differentiated instruction
C) Strict lecture format
D) Independent work only
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Differentiation adapts instruction to varied learning needs.
7. Scaffolding refers to:
A) Testing student mastery
B) Removing support immediately
C) Providing temporary instructional support
D) Grouping students by ability permanently
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scaffolding provides guidance that is gradually withdrawn.
8. Which instructional approach promotes higher-order thinking?
A) Memorization
B) Drill and practice
C) Problem-based learning
D) Rote learning
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Problem-based learning encourages analysis and critical thinking.
9. Which activity best supports kinesthetic learners?
A) Listening to a lecture
B) Reading silently
C) Hands-on experiments
D) Watching videos
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kinesthetic learners benefit from physical activity and manipulation.
