Question 1

Constructive Alignment

Accepted Answer

An instructional design approach that aligns learning objectives with learning activities and assessment tasks.

Question 2

Differentiated Instruction

Accepted Answer

An approach to teaching that caters to the diverse learning needs of students by modifying content, process, and product.

Question 3

Formative Assessment

Accepted Answer

Ongoing assessments, reviews, and observations in a classroom for the purpose of improving student learning.

Question 4

Summative Assessment

Accepted Answer

An evaluation used to measure student competency after an instructional phase is completed.

Question 5

Bloom's Taxonomy

Accepted Answer

A classification system used to define and distinguish different levels of human cognition.

Question 6

Metacognitive Strategies

Accepted Answer

Techniques to help students understand the way they learn; in other words, to think about one's own thinking.

Question 7

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Accepted Answer

An educational approach with three primary principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement.

Question 8

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Accepted Answer

The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance.

Question 9

Scaffolding

Accepted Answer

A process in which teachers model or demonstrate how to solve a problem, and then step back, offering support as needed.

Question 10

Inquiry-based Learning

Accepted Answer

An instructional method developed during the discovery learning movement of the 1960s that focuses on student investigation and hands-on learning.

Question 11

Response to Intervention (RTI)

Accepted Answer

A multi-tiered approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs.

Question 12

Standardized Test

Accepted Answer

A test administered and scored in a consistent manner to ensure legal defensibility.

Question 13

Authentic Assessment

Accepted Answer

A form of assessment in which students demonstrate skills and competencies in real-life contexts.

Question 14

Norm-referenced Test

Accepted Answer

A type of test that assesses a student's knowledge compared to other students.

Question 15

Criterion-referenced Test

Accepted Answer

A type of test that measures a student's performance against a specific set of criteria or learning standards.

Question 16

Backward Design

Accepted Answer

An instructional design method that starts with the objectives of a course or lesson, then proceeds backwards to create assessments, and finally, instructional strategies.

Question 17

Self-Efficacy

Accepted Answer

Belief in one's ability to succeed in achieving an outcome or reaching a goal.

Question 18

Andragogy

Accepted Answer

A theory that focuses on the methods and principles used in adult education.

Question 19

Cognitive Load

Accepted Answer

The amount of mental effort being used in the working memory.

Question 20

Direct Instruction

Accepted Answer

A teacher-centered method of instruction.

Question 21

Indirect Instruction

Accepted Answer

A student-centered method of instruction.

Question 22

Guided Practice

Accepted Answer

An instructional strategy in which the teacher models a learning process then guides the students to practice on their own.

Question 23

Collaborative Learning

Accepted Answer

A situation in which learners work together to solve a problem or complete a task.

Question 24

Pedagogy

Accepted Answer

The study of the methods and activities of teaching.

Question 25

Student-centered Learning

Accepted Answer

A method of teaching that shifts the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student.

Question 26

Divergent Thinking

Accepted Answer

A thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions.

Question 27

Convergent Thinking

Accepted Answer

A process of thought used to arrive at a single, correct answer.

Question 28

Critical Thinking

Accepted Answer

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

Question 29

Creative Thinking

Accepted Answer

The generation of new ideas within or across disciplines.

Question 30

Dyscalculia

Accepted Answer

A specific learning disability in math.

Question 31

Dysgraphia

Accepted Answer

A learning disability that affects a person's handwriting ability and fine motor skills.

Question 32

Dyslexia

Accepted Answer

A specific learning disability that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

Question 33

English Language Learners (ELL)

Accepted Answer

Students whose primary language or languages of the home, are other than English.

Question 34

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Accepted Answer

A written plan for each student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting.

Question 35

504 Plan

Accepted Answer

A plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

Question 36

Multicultural Education

Accepted Answer

A progressive approach for transforming education that holistically critiques and addresses current shortcomings, failings, and discriminatory practices in education.

Question 37

The Matthew Effect

Accepted Answer

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer concept applied to reading; those with motivation to read, read more, increasing their literacy skills while those who avoid reading fall further behind.

Question 38

Phonemic Awareness

Accepted Answer

The ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds-phonemes--in spoken words.

Question 39

Phonics Instruction

Accepted Answer

Teaching the relationship between phonemes and graphemes.

Question 40

Cognitive Development

Accepted Answer

The construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem-solving, and decision-making, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood.

Question 41

Social Constructivism

Accepted Answer

A theory that emphasizes the collaborative nature of learning and the importance of cultural and social context.

Question 42

Professional Learning Community (PLC)

Accepted Answer

A group of educators who meet regularly, share expertise, and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students.

Advanced Concepts for the Maryland Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators