WGU D658 Instructional Strategies
and Learning Theories - Definitions Review
Aligned with 2026 Curriculum Standards
Western Governors University | Teachers College
Learning Theories | Instructional Strategies | Educational Psychology | Curriculum Development
Exam Composition: 60 multiple-choice questions distributed across four content domains.
Cognitive level distribution: ~30% recall, ~50% application, ~20% analysis. Approximately 75%
of items are scenario-based (classroom vignettes, lesson plan analysis, student behavior
interpretation), with 25% direct (theorist definitions, instructional model steps, assessment
terminology). WGU D658 alignment with defining and distinguishing cognitive, constructivist,
and behaviorist classroom applications; scenario-based identification of appropriate instructional
strategies for diverse learner profiles; and application of Bloom's Taxonomy and assessment
alignment to measure higher-order thinking skills. Each item includes four options (A-D), one
correct answer, and a concise rationale explaining why the correct option is best and why
distractors are incorrect.
Contents
Section 1: Foundations of Learning Theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism) (Q1-Q15)
Section 2: Instructional Strategies and Models (Direct, Indirect, Interactive) (Q16-Q30)
Section 3: Differentiated Instruction and Learner Diversity (Q31-Q45)
Section 4: Assessment, Evaluation, and Instructional Design Models (Q46-Q60)
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 1
, Section 1: Foundations of Learning Theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism,
Constructivism)
Items 1-15 cover Pavlov (classical conditioning), Skinner (operant conditioning, reinforcement/punishment),
Piaget (schemas, assimilation/accommodation, stages), Vygotsky (ZPD, MKO, social constructivism), Bandura
(observational learning, modeling), and the distinctions among behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist views
of learning.
Q1: A teacher gives a student a sticker every time they complete homework. This is an example of:
A. Classical conditioning
B. Operant conditioning (positive reinforcement) [CORRECT]
C. Observational learning
D. Cognitive scaffolding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adding a desirable stimulus (sticker) to increase a behavior (homework completion) is positive
reinforcement in operant conditioning. Classical conditioning pairs involuntary responses; observational
learning involves modeling; scaffolding is a constructivist support.
Q2: Pavlov's classical conditioning experiment demonstrated learning through:
A. Consequences following behavior
B. Pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response
[CORRECT]
C. Imitating a model
D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pavlov paired a bell (neutral) with food (UCS) until the bell alone elicited salivation (CR). The other
options describe operant conditioning, observational learning, and cognitive therapy.
Q3: According to Piaget, when a child modifies an existing schema to incorporate new information,
the process is called:
A. Assimilation
B. Accommodation [CORRECT]
C. Conservation
D. Egocentrism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accommodation modifies existing schemas to fit new information; assimilation fits new information
into existing schemas. Conservation and egocentrism are Piagetian concepts but not schema-adjustment
processes.
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 2
, Q4: A toddler calls all four-legged animals 'dog.' This is an example of:
A. Accommodation
B. Assimilation [CORRECT]
C. Equilibration
D. Scaffolding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The toddler fits new animals into the existing 'dog' schema without changing it, which is assimilation.
Accommodation would change the schema; equilibration and scaffolding are different concepts.
Q5: Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to:
A. What a learner can do independently
B. What a learner can do with guidance that they cannot yet do alone [CORRECT]
C. Physical play area
D. Memorization tasks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ZPD is the gap between independent and guided performance, where learning occurs with
scaffolding. Independent ability is below the ZPD; the other options misinterpret the concept.
Q6: Bandura's Bobo doll experiment demonstrated:
A. Operant conditioning
B. Observational learning through modeling [CORRECT]
C. Classical conditioning
D. Cognitive development stages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children imitated an adult model's aggressive behavior toward the Bobo doll, demonstrating
observational learning. The other theories do not involve modeling of behavior.
Q7: Which Piagetian stage is characterized by abstract and hypothetical reasoning?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Formal operational (age 12+) involves abstract, hypothetical reasoning. Sensorimotor is sensory
exploration, preoperational is symbolic but egocentric, and concrete operational is logical thinking about
concrete objects.
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 3
and Learning Theories - Definitions Review
Aligned with 2026 Curriculum Standards
Western Governors University | Teachers College
Learning Theories | Instructional Strategies | Educational Psychology | Curriculum Development
Exam Composition: 60 multiple-choice questions distributed across four content domains.
Cognitive level distribution: ~30% recall, ~50% application, ~20% analysis. Approximately 75%
of items are scenario-based (classroom vignettes, lesson plan analysis, student behavior
interpretation), with 25% direct (theorist definitions, instructional model steps, assessment
terminology). WGU D658 alignment with defining and distinguishing cognitive, constructivist,
and behaviorist classroom applications; scenario-based identification of appropriate instructional
strategies for diverse learner profiles; and application of Bloom's Taxonomy and assessment
alignment to measure higher-order thinking skills. Each item includes four options (A-D), one
correct answer, and a concise rationale explaining why the correct option is best and why
distractors are incorrect.
Contents
Section 1: Foundations of Learning Theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism) (Q1-Q15)
Section 2: Instructional Strategies and Models (Direct, Indirect, Interactive) (Q16-Q30)
Section 3: Differentiated Instruction and Learner Diversity (Q31-Q45)
Section 4: Assessment, Evaluation, and Instructional Design Models (Q46-Q60)
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 1
, Section 1: Foundations of Learning Theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism,
Constructivism)
Items 1-15 cover Pavlov (classical conditioning), Skinner (operant conditioning, reinforcement/punishment),
Piaget (schemas, assimilation/accommodation, stages), Vygotsky (ZPD, MKO, social constructivism), Bandura
(observational learning, modeling), and the distinctions among behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist views
of learning.
Q1: A teacher gives a student a sticker every time they complete homework. This is an example of:
A. Classical conditioning
B. Operant conditioning (positive reinforcement) [CORRECT]
C. Observational learning
D. Cognitive scaffolding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adding a desirable stimulus (sticker) to increase a behavior (homework completion) is positive
reinforcement in operant conditioning. Classical conditioning pairs involuntary responses; observational
learning involves modeling; scaffolding is a constructivist support.
Q2: Pavlov's classical conditioning experiment demonstrated learning through:
A. Consequences following behavior
B. Pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response
[CORRECT]
C. Imitating a model
D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pavlov paired a bell (neutral) with food (UCS) until the bell alone elicited salivation (CR). The other
options describe operant conditioning, observational learning, and cognitive therapy.
Q3: According to Piaget, when a child modifies an existing schema to incorporate new information,
the process is called:
A. Assimilation
B. Accommodation [CORRECT]
C. Conservation
D. Egocentrism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accommodation modifies existing schemas to fit new information; assimilation fits new information
into existing schemas. Conservation and egocentrism are Piagetian concepts but not schema-adjustment
processes.
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 2
, Q4: A toddler calls all four-legged animals 'dog.' This is an example of:
A. Accommodation
B. Assimilation [CORRECT]
C. Equilibration
D. Scaffolding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The toddler fits new animals into the existing 'dog' schema without changing it, which is assimilation.
Accommodation would change the schema; equilibration and scaffolding are different concepts.
Q5: Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to:
A. What a learner can do independently
B. What a learner can do with guidance that they cannot yet do alone [CORRECT]
C. Physical play area
D. Memorization tasks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ZPD is the gap between independent and guided performance, where learning occurs with
scaffolding. Independent ability is below the ZPD; the other options misinterpret the concept.
Q6: Bandura's Bobo doll experiment demonstrated:
A. Operant conditioning
B. Observational learning through modeling [CORRECT]
C. Classical conditioning
D. Cognitive development stages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children imitated an adult model's aggressive behavior toward the Bobo doll, demonstrating
observational learning. The other theories do not involve modeling of behavior.
Q7: Which Piagetian stage is characterized by abstract and hypothetical reasoning?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Formal operational (age 12+) involves abstract, hypothetical reasoning. Sensorimotor is sensory
exploration, preoperational is symbolic but egocentric, and concrete operational is logical thinking about
concrete objects.
WGU D658 Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories - Definitions Review (2026) Page 3
