Question 1

Constructivist Learning Theory

Accepted Answer

Holds that learners actively construct their own understanding based on their experiences and how they interpret these experiences.

Question 2

Zone of Proximal Development

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's theory that describes the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can do with assistance.

Question 3

Bloom's Taxonomy

Accepted Answer

A hierarchical model used to classify educational learning objectives into levels of complexity and specificity, starting from knowledge to evaluation.

Question 4

Piaget's Four Stages of Cognitive Development

Accepted Answer

Consists of Sensorimotor stage, Preoperational stage, Concrete operational stage, and Formal operational stage.

Question 5

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Accepted Answer

A motivational theory in psychology comprising five tiers of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

Question 6

Operant Conditioning

Accepted Answer

B.F. Skinner's theory that behavior is determined by its consequences, whether they are reinforcements or punishments.

Question 7

Brown v. Board of Education

Accepted Answer

A landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Question 8

English Language Development (ELD) Standards

Accepted Answer

Guidelines for the instruction and assessment of students learning English as a second language.

Question 9

California Common Core State Standards

Accepted Answer

A set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA).

Question 10

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

Accepted Answer

A U.S. Act of Congress that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; it included Title I provisions applying to disadvantaged students.

Question 11

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Accepted Answer

A law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.

Question 12

Differentiated Instruction

Accepted Answer

An approach where teachers proactively plan varied approaches to what students need to learn in terms of content, process, and product.

Question 13

Multicultural Education

Accepted Answer

An approach in education that promotes diversity and equity, and values the cultural identities of all students.

Question 14

Response to Intervention (RTI)

Accepted Answer

An approach to academic intervention used to provide early, systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty learning.

Question 15

Formative Assessment

Accepted Answer

An assessment that is intended to provide feedback to improve student learning and understanding during instruction.

Question 16

Summative Assessment

Accepted Answer

An assessment that is used to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit.

Question 17

Pedagogy

Accepted Answer

The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.

Question 18

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Accepted Answer

A teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question or challenge.

Question 19

Extrinsic Motivation

Accepted Answer

Motivation driven by external rewards such as money, grades, and praise.

Question 20

Intrinsic Motivation

Accepted Answer

Motivation driven by internal rewards like satisfaction, pleasure, or a sense of accomplishment.

Question 21

Phonemic Awareness

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

Critical Literacy

Accepted Answer

An approach that teaches students to analyze and critique text to uncover power, inequality, and injustice in the social structure.

Question 23

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Accepted Answer

An educational framework that guides the design of learning goals, materials, methods, and assessments with the diversity of learners in mind.

Question 24

Direct Instruction

Accepted Answer

A teaching method that is structured, sequenced, and led by teachers, and includes demonstration, modeling, guided practice, and independent practice.

Question 25

Inquiry-Based Learning

Accepted Answer

A form of active learning that emphasizes research and problem-solving.

Question 26

California English Language Development Test (CELDT)

Accepted Answer

A test for students in California public schools who are classified as English learners.

Question 27

Single Subject Credential

Accepted Answer

Authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in grades preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Question 28

Multiple Subject Credential

Accepted Answer

Authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Question 29

Scaffolding

Accepted Answer

A variety of instructional techniques used to move students progressively toward stronger understanding and, ultimately, greater independence in the learning process.

Question 30

California Education Code

Accepted Answer

The body of law that governs public education in the state of California.

Question 31

California Dashboard

Accepted Answer

An online tool designed by the California Department of Education to provide parents, educators, and the public with important information on schools and school districts.

Question 32

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Accepted Answer

An educational approach that makes meaningful connections between what students learn in school and their cultures, languages, and life experiences.

Question 33

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Accepted Answer

The process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

Question 34

Metacognition

Accepted Answer

The awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.

Question 35

Universal Access

Accepted Answer

A core principle of effective instruction that promotes equity by ensuring all students have access to the same opportunities to learn and meet high standards.

Question 36

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Accepted Answer

K–12 science content standards, developed by states, that set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do.

Question 37

Performance Task

Accepted Answer

A type of assessment that requires students to perform a task rather than select an answer from a ready-made list.

Question 38

Balanced Literacy

Accepted Answer

A curriculum methodology that integrates various modalities of literacy instruction—assessment-based planning, differentiated instruction, reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, shared writing, guided writing, independent writing, word study, and vocabulary.

Question 39

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Accepted Answer

An evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day.

Question 40

Professional Learning Community (PLC)

Accepted Answer

A group of educators that meets regularly, shares expertise, and works collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students.

Question 41

Co-Teaching

Accepted Answer

A model in which two educators share instruction for a single group of students generally in a single classroom.

Question 42

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Accepted Answer

A principle of IDEA requiring that students with disabilities receive their education, to the maximum extent appropriate, with nondisabled peers.

Question 43

Self-Determination Theory

Accepted Answer

A psychological theory of motivation that focuses on the interplay between individual personalities and experiences in social contexts.

Question 44

Cognitive Load Theory

Accepted Answer

A theory which suggests that learning happens best under conditions that align with human cognitive architecture.

Question 45

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

Accepted Answer

The system used by the state of California to measure student performance and progress in grades 3-8 and high school.

Question 46

Declarative Knowledge

Accepted Answer

Consists of information that’s stored in memory that’s considered static, such as facts or events.

Question 47

Procedural Knowledge

Accepted Answer

The type of knowledge exercised in the performance of a task, including knowing how to read, ride a bike, or play a musical instrument.

Question 48

Self-Efficacy

Accepted Answer

The belief in one's abilities to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Question 49

Sheltered Instruction

Accepted Answer

A pedagogical approach used for teaching language to students while they are also learning content.

Question 50

Dual Immersion Programs

Accepted Answer

Educational programs that provide instruction in two languages, typically English and another language, with the goal of bilingualism and biliteracy.

Question 51

Phonics Instruction

Accepted Answer

A method of teaching reading that focuses on the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or letter combinations.

Question 52

High-Quality Instruction

Accepted Answer

Instruction that is evidence-based, aligned with standards, differentiated to meet student needs, and delivered by skilled and knowledgeable educators.

Question 53

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Accepted Answer

A teaching approach that acknowledges and incorporates the cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students in the learning process.

Question 54

Differentiation

Accepted Answer

The process of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of individual students within a classroom.

Question 55

English Language Development (ELD) Instruction

Accepted Answer

Instructional practices specifically designed to support English learners in developing proficiency in the English language.

Question 56

Standards-Based Education

Accepted Answer

An educational approach that focuses on clearly defined learning goals, or standards, and aligns instruction, assessment, and curriculum with those goals.

Question 57

Educational Equity

Accepted Answer

The principle of ensuring that every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Question 58

Authentic Assessment

Accepted Answer

Assessment tasks that require students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts or through meaningful, application-based tasks.

Question 59

Differentiated Assessment

Accepted Answer

Assessments that are tailored to the individual needs, abilities, and learning styles of students, allowing for varied ways of demonstrating understanding.

Question 60

Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Accepted Answer

The specialized knowledge and skills that teachers possess, which integrate content knowledge with effective teaching strategies and approaches.

Question 61

Whole Language Approach

Accepted Answer

A method of teaching reading and writing that emphasizes the use of authentic, meaningful texts and the development of language skills in a holistic manner.

Question 62

Cognitive Development Theory

Accepted Answer

The study of how thinking, problem-solving, and understanding change and develop throughout childhood and adolescence.

Question 63

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Accepted Answer

A measure of an individual's or family's economic and social position in relation to others, often based on factors such as income, education, and occupation.

Question 64

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Accepted Answer

The range of tasks that a learner can perform with guidance and support from a more knowledgeable other.

Comprehensive Flashcard Set for CSET Exam Prep