DIPLOMA IN TEACHER EDUCATION (PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY)
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOLOGY
SECTION A: COMPETENCY-BASED SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
(40 Marks)
Question 1 (4 Marks)
As a teacher trainee on teaching practice, you observe that learners in Grade 2 learn better
when using real objects and group activities.
a) Identify the learning theory that supports the use of real objects in learning.
(1 Mark)
b) State three characteristics of learning according to the identified theory.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Cognitive theory/Jean Piaget’s theory. ✓ (1)
b)
● Learning occurs through active involvement. ✓
● Learners construct knowledge from experience. ✓
● Learning develops in stages. ✓
● Environment influences learning. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 2 (4 Marks)
A teacher rewards learners with stars whenever they complete assignments correctly.
a) Name the learning theorist associated with this practice.
(1 Mark)
b) Explain three ways positive reinforcement promotes learning in CBC classrooms.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) B. F. Skinner ✓ (1)
b)
● Motivates learners to participate actively. ✓
● Encourages repetition of desired behaviour. ✓
● Builds learners’ confidence and self-esteem. ✓
● Improves classroom discipline. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 3 (4 Marks)
During a science lesson, learners work collaboratively to solve a problem with the guidance of
the teacher.
a) Identify the theory of learning applied in the situation above.
(1 Mark)
b) State three roles of the teacher according to the identified theory.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Social constructivist theory/Lev Vygotsky theory. ✓ (1)
b)
● Guiding learners during activities. ✓
● Providing scaffolding. ✓
● Facilitating collaborative learning. ✓
● Encouraging social interaction. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 4 (4 Marks)
A teacher trainee organizes learning activities from simple to complex to help learners
understand new concepts.
a) Identify the theorist associated with discovery learning.
(1 Mark)
b) Outline three benefits of discovery learning in CBC classrooms.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Jerome Bruner ✓ (1)
b)
● Promotes critical thinking. ✓
● Enhances learner participation. ✓
● Encourages creativity and innovation. ✓
● Improves retention of knowledge. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 5 (4 Marks)
A pre-primary teacher uses songs, rhymes and repetition to help learners master numbers.
a) Identify the learning theory reflected in the activity.
(1 Mark)
b) Give three advantages of repetition in learning.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Behaviourist theory. ✓ (1)
b)
● Strengthens memory. ✓
● Improves mastery of content. ✓
● Enhances accuracy in performance. ✓
● Builds learner confidence. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 6 (4 Marks)
A teacher allows learners to explore different materials before introducing a new concept.
a) Identify the stage of cognitive development where learners learn best through manipulation
of objects.
(1 Mark)
b) State three characteristics of learners in this stage.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Concrete operational stage. ✓ (1)
b)
● Learners think logically about concrete objects. ✓
● Learners can classify objects. ✓
● Learners understand conservation. ✓
● Learners solve simple problems practically. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 7 (4 Marks)
A learner observes a classmate washing hands before meals and later imitates the same
behaviour.
a) Identify the learning theory demonstrated.
(1 Mark)
b) Explain three ways modelling supports learning in schools.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Social learning theory. ✓ (1)
b)
● Encourages acquisition of positive behaviours. ✓
● Enhances social skills. ✓
● Promotes observational learning. ✓
● Helps learners imitate appropriate actions. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 8 (4 Marks)
A CBC teacher gives learners projects that relate to real-life experiences in the community.
a) State the learning approach emphasized in the activity.
(1 Mark)
b) Outline three importance of learner-centred approaches in CBC.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Experiential learning/learner-centred learning. ✓ (1)
b)
● Promotes active participation. ✓
● Develops problem-solving skills. ✓
● Encourages creativity. ✓
● Makes learning meaningful. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 9 (4 Marks)
A teacher trainee notices that learners perform better when given assistance slightly above
their level of ability.
a) Name the concept described above.
(1 Mark)
b) State three educational implications of the concept in teaching and learning.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). ✓ (1)
b)
● Teachers should provide scaffolding. ✓
● Learning activities should match learner ability. ✓
● Peer learning should be encouraged. ✓
● Teachers should guide learners progressively. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
Question 10 (4 Marks)
A teacher uses brainstorming and problem-solving activities during a social studies lesson.
a) Identify the theory that promotes problem-solving and thinking skills.
(1 Mark)
b) Give three ways teachers can promote critical thinking in CBC classrooms.
(3 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Cognitive learning theory. ✓ (1)
b)
● Asking open-ended questions. ✓
● Using inquiry-based learning. ✓
● Encouraging discussions and debates. ✓
● Providing problem-solving tasks. ✓
(Any 3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
SECTION B: STRUCTURED ESSAY QUESTIONS
(60 Marks)
Question 11 (15 Marks)
As a teacher trainee, you are required to prepare a presentation on behaviourist theories of
learning.
a) Explain five principles of behaviourist theory.
(10 Marks)
b) Describe five educational implications of behaviourism in CBC classrooms.
(5 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Principles of Behaviourism
(Any 5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
● Learning occurs through stimulus and response. ✓✓
● Reinforcement strengthens behaviour. ✓✓
● Repetition enhances learning. ✓✓
● Behaviour can be observed and measured. ✓✓
● Punishment discourages undesirable behaviour. ✓✓
● Environment influences learning. ✓✓
b) Educational Implications
(Any 5 × 1 = 5 Marks)
● Use of rewards and reinforcement. ✓
● Frequent practice and drills. ✓
● Immediate feedback during learning. ✓
● Use of clear instructional objectives. ✓
● Classroom management through behaviour modification. ✓
Question 12 (15 Marks)
Using examples from classroom practice, discuss the contribution of cognitive theories of
learning to CBC implementation.
Marking Scheme
Introduction:
Meaning of cognitive learning theory. ✓ (1)
Body:
(Any 6 points × 2 = 12 Marks)
● Learners actively construct knowledge. ✓✓
● Learning should move from simple to complex. ✓✓
● Teaching should consider developmental stages. ✓✓
● Discovery learning enhances understanding. ✓✓
● Prior knowledge influences learning. ✓✓
● Problem-solving activities promote thinking skills. ✓✓
● Learning resources improve concept formation. ✓✓
● Teachers act as facilitators. ✓✓
Conclusion:
Summary of importance of cognitive theories. ✓ (2)
Question 13 (15 Marks)
You have been invited to facilitate a workshop on social constructivism in education.
a) Explain five principles of social constructivist theory.
(10 Marks)
b) Describe five ways teachers can apply the theory in CBC classrooms.
(5 Marks)
Marking Scheme
a) Principles
(Any 5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
● Learning occurs through social interaction. ✓✓
● Language promotes cognitive development. ✓✓
● Learners construct knowledge collaboratively. ✓✓
● Scaffolding supports learning. ✓✓
● Culture influences learning. ✓✓
● Guidance enhances understanding. ✓✓
b) Application in CBC
(Any 5 × 1 = 5 Marks)
● Group discussions. ✓
● Peer teaching activities. ✓
● Collaborative projects. ✓
● Teacher guidance and scaffolding. ✓
● Role play and simulations. ✓
Question 14 (15 Marks)
As a CBC teacher trainee, evaluate the relevance of learning theories in classroom instruction.
Marking Scheme
Introduction:
Meaning of learning theories. ✓ (1)
Body:
(Any 6 points × 2 = 12 Marks)
Learning theories help teachers to:
● Understand learner behaviour. ✓✓
● Select appropriate teaching methods. ✓✓
● Organize learning experiences effectively. ✓✓
● Improve classroom management. ✓✓
● Cater for individual differences. ✓✓
● Promote learner participation. ✓✓
● Enhance assessment practices. ✓✓
● Improve learner achievement. ✓✓
Conclusion:
Importance of integrating learning theories in teaching. ✓ (2)