Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 7-12 5624 Study Terms

Ability grouping Helping students achieve individual goals by placing those of similar ability together, either in groups in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Acceleration Change in the regular school program that permits a gifted student to complete a program in less time or at an earlier age than usual. Adolescent egocentric thinking When adolescents assume that everyone thinks as they do; that everyone is "looking at them." Advance organizers Ausubel's term to describe teaching tools that explain what is to come. It could be an outline, a list, an introductory paragraph, etc. Organizers are introduced before the learning begins and are also presented at a higher level. They act as a bridge between the new concepts being taught and what the student already knows. Aptitude test Type of test that assesses a student's general or specific abilities. It shows ability, potential, "flair," talent, etc. This test will measure a student's capacity for altering behavior when presented with new information or experiences. Assessment The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something. All 50 states now have some statewide testing policies in place. The logic behind these state assessment systems has been to find a more accurate way to measure student success as well as to hold schools accountable for results. While a centerpiece of standards-based reform, state testing policies have caused considerable controversy. The results debate over assessment is at the heart of the debate over education reform. Authentic assessment A form of assessment in which students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. There is a performance component where the student actually shows what he/she can do unlike a paper-and-pencil objective type of test. Behavior modification The direct changing of unwanted behavior by means of biofeedback or conditioning. Contends that behavior represents the essence of a person. (Skinner)