, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain how play acts as a "vehicle through which learning occurs" by mentioning at least
two aspects of play.
Play acts as a vehicle for learning because it allows children to construct their own knowledge in a
hands-on, engaging manner. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 60). Two aspects that demonstrate this
are:
Active and Interactive: During play, children are not passive recipients of information but are
actively involved. They seek to solve problems and tasks in a very hands-on way, which is
more effective than passive learning. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 60).
Problem-Solving and Inquiry: Play encourages children to be autonomous, take risks, make
mistakes, and apply a trial-and-error approach to learning. It allows them to experiment, make
discoveries, and build their own working theories about the world. (GRM2601, Study Guide.
Page 60).
1.2 Imagine a Grade R classroom where children are exploring different-sized blocks. Identify
which category of mathematics content (Seo & Ginsburg) is most likely being addressed. Explain
your reasoning.
The mathematics content category being addressed is Magnitude (size) (GRM2601, Study Guide.
Page 68).
Reasoning: According to the table from Seo and Ginsburg (2004) provided in the study guide, the
"Magnitude (size)" category is specifically described as "Comparing the size of objects, such as a
tower built of blocks." (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 68). The children's activity of exploring and
handling blocks of different sizes directly involves comparing their attributes, which falls under this
category.
1.3 In a Grade R classroom, Ms Jones uses flashcards to teach her learners about numbers.
Identify the primary teaching theory that Ms Jones adopts. Justify your answer.
Ms Jones is primarily adopting the behaviourist theory of learning.
Justification: Behaviourism views the child as a passive learner who is shaped by the teacher (the
"knower of knowledge") through reinforcement. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 21-22). The use of
flashcards for rote learning and memorization of number symbols is a teacher-controlled method that
aligns with the behaviourist approach of presenting information and reinforcing correct responses
(demonstrating understanding), rather than having children construct their own knowledge through
active exploration, as a constructivist approach would advocate. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 23).
QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain how play acts as a "vehicle through which learning occurs" by mentioning at least
two aspects of play.
Play acts as a vehicle for learning because it allows children to construct their own knowledge in a
hands-on, engaging manner. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 60). Two aspects that demonstrate this
are:
Active and Interactive: During play, children are not passive recipients of information but are
actively involved. They seek to solve problems and tasks in a very hands-on way, which is
more effective than passive learning. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 60).
Problem-Solving and Inquiry: Play encourages children to be autonomous, take risks, make
mistakes, and apply a trial-and-error approach to learning. It allows them to experiment, make
discoveries, and build their own working theories about the world. (GRM2601, Study Guide.
Page 60).
1.2 Imagine a Grade R classroom where children are exploring different-sized blocks. Identify
which category of mathematics content (Seo & Ginsburg) is most likely being addressed. Explain
your reasoning.
The mathematics content category being addressed is Magnitude (size) (GRM2601, Study Guide.
Page 68).
Reasoning: According to the table from Seo and Ginsburg (2004) provided in the study guide, the
"Magnitude (size)" category is specifically described as "Comparing the size of objects, such as a
tower built of blocks." (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 68). The children's activity of exploring and
handling blocks of different sizes directly involves comparing their attributes, which falls under this
category.
1.3 In a Grade R classroom, Ms Jones uses flashcards to teach her learners about numbers.
Identify the primary teaching theory that Ms Jones adopts. Justify your answer.
Ms Jones is primarily adopting the behaviourist theory of learning.
Justification: Behaviourism views the child as a passive learner who is shaped by the teacher (the
"knower of knowledge") through reinforcement. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 21-22). The use of
flashcards for rote learning and memorization of number symbols is a teacher-controlled method that
aligns with the behaviourist approach of presenting information and reinforcing correct responses
(demonstrating understanding), rather than having children construct their own knowledge through
active exploration, as a constructivist approach would advocate. (GRM2601, Study Guide. Page 23).
