Exam 2 Flashcards
(51 cards)
What does MRI research reveal about brain changes in middle to late childhood?
Continued brain changes even as total brain volume stabilizes
This indicates ongoing development despite a plateau in overall brain size.
What cognitive functions are associated with prefrontal cortex development?
Improved attention, reasoning, and cognitive control
This development is crucial for higher-level thinking and decision-making.
Define learning disabilities.
Difficulties with reading, writing, speaking, math, and comprehension
These challenges can significantly impact academic performance.
What is dyslexia?
Severe reading/spelling impairment
This condition affects the ability to decode words and comprehend text.
What is dysgraphia?
Handwriting impairment
Individuals with dysgraphia struggle with writing, including spelling and organizing thoughts on paper.
What does dyscalculia refer to?
Math computation difficulty
It specifically affects the ability to understand numbers and perform calculations.
What are emotional/behavioral disorders?
Persistent problems in relationships, aggression, or fears
These disorders can interfere with social functioning and academic performance.
Define Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Brain-based condition involving communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors
ASD presents a range of challenges related to social interaction and communication.
What is self-esteem?
Global self-evaluation
It reflects how individuals perceive their overall worth.
Define self-concept.
Domain-specific evaluations (e.g., academic, athletic)
Self-concept is more focused than self-esteem, addressing specific areas of competence.
What is self-efficacy according to Bandura?
Belief in one’s capacity to achieve goals
This belief influences motivation and persistence in challenging tasks.
How does self-regulation change in middle childhood?
Increases, characterized by deliberate efforts to manage behavior, emotions, and thoughts
This leads to improved social competence and achievement.
What is Kohlberg’s preconventional level of moral development?
External rewards/punishments
At this level, children assess morality based on consequences.
Describe the conventional level of moral reasoning.
Societal rules and expectations
Individuals develop expectations about social roles and adherence to norms.
What characterizes the postconventional level of moral reasoning?
Abstract moral principles and justice
This level involves evaluating laws and societal norms against ethical standards.
What are critiques of Kohlberg’s moral development theory?
Too much emphasis on moral thought, not enough on moral behavior; gender bias
Critics argue his theory undervalues emotional factors in moral decision-making.
What is the constructivist teaching approach?
Student-centered, active exploration and reflection
This method encourages students to discover knowledge through guided inquiry.
Define direct instruction.
Teacher-led, structured, skill-focused
This approach emphasizes clear guidance and high expectations from teachers.
What is a fixed mindset?
Belief that qualities can’t change
Individuals with this mindset may avoid challenges due to fear of failure.
Define growth mindset.
Belief that effort leads to growth
This mindset fosters resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
What is adolescent egocentrism according to Elkind?
Heightened self-consciousness of adolescents
This includes feelings of being constantly observed and unique.
What is the imaginary audience phenomenon?
Belief that others are watching them
This can lead to increased self-consciousness among adolescents.
Define personal fable.
Sense of uniqueness and invincibility
Adolescents may feel that their experiences are unlike anyone else’s.
What is the top-dog phenomenon?
Shift from elementary to middle school creates social and emotional challenges
This transition often affects students’ self-esteem and attitudes toward school.