WGU D186 Learning as a Science 2026/2027 Study
Guide | D186 Objective Assessment (OA) Practice
Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Learning
Science, Motivation, Knowledge Retention, SEL &
Exam Prep
Question 1: What is the primary goal of applying the Science of
Learning in the classroom?
A. To accelerate the speed of standardized testing
B. To strictly adhere to a single historical educational philosophy
C. To replace teachers with automated software systems
D. To use evidence-based research to improve teaching and learning
outcomes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. To use evidence-based research to improve
teaching and learning outcomes
Rationale: The Science of Learning draws from interdisciplinary research
including neuroscience and psychology to understand how people learn,
with the ultimate purpose of optimizing instructional practices and
improving educational outcomes.
Question 2: Which memory system is characterized by a very
limited capacity and short duration?
A. Long-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Procedural memory
D. Implicit memory
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Working memory
Rationale: Working memory temporarily holds and processes information,
with a limited capacity of approximately 7 items and a short duration
without rehearsal, typically 20-30 seconds.
Question 3: According to Cognitive Load Theory, which type of load
is caused by the way information is presented to the learner?
A. Intrinsic load
B. Germane load
C. Extrinsic load
D. Structural load
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Extrinsic load
Rationale: Extrinsic load represents the unnecessary burden on working
memory caused by poor instructional design or distracting elements, as
opposed to intrinsic load which comes from the content itself.
Question 4: What is Metacognition commonly defined as?
A. The ability to memorize long lists of facts
B. The biological growth of neurons in the brain
C. Thinking about one's own thinking and learning processes
D. The speed at which a person reads a text
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Thinking about one's own thinking and
learning processes
Rationale: Metacognition involves self-awareness of cognitive processes
and the ability to monitor and regulate one's learning, encompassing
planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's understanding.
Question 5: Which learning strategy involves pulling information
out of the brain rather than putting it in?
A. Rereading
B. Highlighting
C. Retrieval practice
D. Passive listening
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Retrieval practice
Rationale: Retrieval practice strengthens memory and learning by actively
recalling information previously learned, forcing the brain to reconstruct
knowledge rather than simply reviewing it.
Question 6: What does Spaced Repetition help to combat in the
learning process?
A. The testing effect
B. The forgetting curve
C. Cognitive overload
D. Stereotype threat
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The forgetting curve
,Rationale: The forgetting curve illustrates how information is lost over time;
spacing out review sessions helps reinforce memory and prevent forgetting
by consolidating information into long-term memory.
Question 7: Which concept describes the idea that intelligence and
abilities can be developed through effort and practice?
A. Fixed mindset
B. Growth mindset
C. Performance avoidance
D. Learned helplessness
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Growth mindset
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that
abilities are not fixed but can be improved with dedication, effort, and
practice.
Question 8: In the context of Dual Coding, what two types of
information should be combined for better learning?
A. Auditory and olfactory
B. Verbal and nonverbal
C. Tactile and gustatory
D. Explicit and implicit
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Verbal and nonverbal
Rationale: Dual Coding theory suggests that combining verbal information
(text or speech) with nonverbal information (images, diagrams) creates
stronger memory traces by engaging multiple processing pathways.
Question 9: What does the CASEL framework outline for social and
emotional development?
A. Ten teaching standards for academic subjects
B. Five core competencies for social and emotional development
C. A disciplinary system for managing behavior
D. A school accreditation model
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Five core competencies for social and
emotional development
, Rationale: CASEL is widely recognized for its framework of five core
competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness,
relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Question 10: According to the CASEL framework, what is the ability
to accurately recognize one's own emotions, thoughts, and values?
A. Self-management
B. Social awareness
C. Self-awareness
D. Responsible decision-making
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Self-awareness
Rationale: Self-awareness is defined as the ability to understand one's own
emotions, thoughts, and values and their impact on behavior, forming the
foundation for assessing strengths and limitations.
Question 11: A student who uses deep breathing and visualization
to calm exam nerves is demonstrating strength in which SEL
competency?
A. Self-awareness
B. Self-management
C. Social awareness
D. Relationship skills
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Self-management
Rationale: Self-management involves regulating one's emotions, thoughts,
and behaviors in different situations, including effectively managing stress
and controlling impulses.
Question 12: Empathy and perspective-taking from diverse
backgrounds are key components of which SEL competency?
A. Self-awareness
B. Self-management
C. Social awareness
D. Responsible decision-making
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Social awareness
Guide | D186 Objective Assessment (OA) Practice
Questions & Answers, Detailed Rationales, Learning
Science, Motivation, Knowledge Retention, SEL &
Exam Prep
Question 1: What is the primary goal of applying the Science of
Learning in the classroom?
A. To accelerate the speed of standardized testing
B. To strictly adhere to a single historical educational philosophy
C. To replace teachers with automated software systems
D. To use evidence-based research to improve teaching and learning
outcomes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. To use evidence-based research to improve
teaching and learning outcomes
Rationale: The Science of Learning draws from interdisciplinary research
including neuroscience and psychology to understand how people learn,
with the ultimate purpose of optimizing instructional practices and
improving educational outcomes.
Question 2: Which memory system is characterized by a very
limited capacity and short duration?
A. Long-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Procedural memory
D. Implicit memory
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Working memory
Rationale: Working memory temporarily holds and processes information,
with a limited capacity of approximately 7 items and a short duration
without rehearsal, typically 20-30 seconds.
Question 3: According to Cognitive Load Theory, which type of load
is caused by the way information is presented to the learner?
A. Intrinsic load
B. Germane load
C. Extrinsic load
D. Structural load
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Extrinsic load
Rationale: Extrinsic load represents the unnecessary burden on working
memory caused by poor instructional design or distracting elements, as
opposed to intrinsic load which comes from the content itself.
Question 4: What is Metacognition commonly defined as?
A. The ability to memorize long lists of facts
B. The biological growth of neurons in the brain
C. Thinking about one's own thinking and learning processes
D. The speed at which a person reads a text
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Thinking about one's own thinking and
learning processes
Rationale: Metacognition involves self-awareness of cognitive processes
and the ability to monitor and regulate one's learning, encompassing
planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's understanding.
Question 5: Which learning strategy involves pulling information
out of the brain rather than putting it in?
A. Rereading
B. Highlighting
C. Retrieval practice
D. Passive listening
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Retrieval practice
Rationale: Retrieval practice strengthens memory and learning by actively
recalling information previously learned, forcing the brain to reconstruct
knowledge rather than simply reviewing it.
Question 6: What does Spaced Repetition help to combat in the
learning process?
A. The testing effect
B. The forgetting curve
C. Cognitive overload
D. Stereotype threat
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The forgetting curve
,Rationale: The forgetting curve illustrates how information is lost over time;
spacing out review sessions helps reinforce memory and prevent forgetting
by consolidating information into long-term memory.
Question 7: Which concept describes the idea that intelligence and
abilities can be developed through effort and practice?
A. Fixed mindset
B. Growth mindset
C. Performance avoidance
D. Learned helplessness
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Growth mindset
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that
abilities are not fixed but can be improved with dedication, effort, and
practice.
Question 8: In the context of Dual Coding, what two types of
information should be combined for better learning?
A. Auditory and olfactory
B. Verbal and nonverbal
C. Tactile and gustatory
D. Explicit and implicit
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Verbal and nonverbal
Rationale: Dual Coding theory suggests that combining verbal information
(text or speech) with nonverbal information (images, diagrams) creates
stronger memory traces by engaging multiple processing pathways.
Question 9: What does the CASEL framework outline for social and
emotional development?
A. Ten teaching standards for academic subjects
B. Five core competencies for social and emotional development
C. A disciplinary system for managing behavior
D. A school accreditation model
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Five core competencies for social and
emotional development
, Rationale: CASEL is widely recognized for its framework of five core
competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness,
relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Question 10: According to the CASEL framework, what is the ability
to accurately recognize one's own emotions, thoughts, and values?
A. Self-management
B. Social awareness
C. Self-awareness
D. Responsible decision-making
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Self-awareness
Rationale: Self-awareness is defined as the ability to understand one's own
emotions, thoughts, and values and their impact on behavior, forming the
foundation for assessing strengths and limitations.
Question 11: A student who uses deep breathing and visualization
to calm exam nerves is demonstrating strength in which SEL
competency?
A. Self-awareness
B. Self-management
C. Social awareness
D. Relationship skills
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Self-management
Rationale: Self-management involves regulating one's emotions, thoughts,
and behaviors in different situations, including effectively managing stress
and controlling impulses.
Question 12: Empathy and perspective-taking from diverse
backgrounds are key components of which SEL competency?
A. Self-awareness
B. Self-management
C. Social awareness
D. Responsible decision-making
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Social awareness
