VPD Module For Exit Exam 2 (Regular Program)
VPD Module For Exit Exam 2 (Regular Program)
APRIL 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................................................... 1
I. Background.............................................................................................................. 1
II. Module Descriptor:..................................................................................................1
III. Blueprint descriptor of the thematic area..............................................................1
Sub theme 1: Curriculum and TTLM Development-------------------------------------------2
Unit 1: Curriculum Conceptions and Definitions.................................................................2
1. Learning objectives of the unit...................................................................................2
1.1 What is Curriculum?---------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.2 Levels of curriculum----------------------------------------------------------------------------7
1.3. Foundations of Curriculum ------------------------------------------------------------------8
1.4. Domains of Curriculum -----------------------------------------------------------------------9
Unit 2: Theories of Curriculum...........................................................................................11
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................11
2.1 Curriculum Theory: Meanings, Definitions, and Characteristics-------------------11
2.2 Types and Views of Curriculum Theory--------------------------------------------------12
2.3 Classification of Curriculum theorizing---------------------------------------------------14
2.4 Types & Views of Curriculum Theory-----------------------------------------------------14
2.5 Functions of a theory-------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Unit 3: Stages of Curriculum Development........................................................................18
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................18
3.1 The Cycle of Curriculum Development---------------------------------------------------19
3.2 Curriculum Change----------------------------------------------------------------------------20
3.3 Curriculum Alignment ------------------------------------------------------------------------20
UNIT 4: Curriculum Design----------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
4.1 Overview of Curriculum Design----------------------------------------------------------- 22
4.2 Models of Curriculum Design-------------------------------------------------------------- 23
4.3 Dimensions of Curriculum Design-------------------------------------------------------- 24
UNIT 5: Curriculum Development for TVET----------------------------------------------25
5.1 TVET Curriculum Development---------------------------------------------------------------25
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5.1.1 Basic Principles of Competency- based Curriculum Development--------26
5.2 Practical Steps in the Development of Outcome Based Curriculum-------------26
5.2.1 Linking Occupational Standards with Training Standards-------------------26
5.3 Translating Occupational Standards into Training Standards----------------------27
UNIT 6: Preparation of Teaching, Training, and Learning Materials (TTLMs)
Learning Objectives of the Unit:-------------------------------------------------------------------28
6.1 The Essence of TTLMs---------------------------------------------------------------------28
6.2 Significance of TTLMs ----------------------------------------------------------------------29
6.3 Role of TTLMs---------------------------------------------------------------------------------30
6.4 Preparation of TTLMs------------------------------------------------------------------------31
6.5 Writing and evaluating the teaching material-------------------------------------------32
Exercises............................................................................................................................ 33
Self-check questions.........................................................................................................34
REFERENCES:................................................................................................................. 35
Sub theme 2: methodology of teaching...................................................................36
Unit : Introduction to Teaching and Learning--------------------------------------------------36
1.1 The Concept of Teaching in General---------------------------------------------------------36
1.2 Some Basic Principles of Effective Teaching........................................................37
1.3 Teaching Profession------------------------------------------------------------------------------40
1.4 Effective Learning Methods in Vocational Education-------------------------------------41
Unit 2: Perspectives on Instructional Decision Making.........................................42
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................43
2.1 Humanistic perspective..............................................................................................43
2.2 Cognitive Perspective-------------------------------------------------------------------------44
2.3 Affective Issues.........................................................................................................44
Unit 3: Types of Training Methods and Techniques...............................................45
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................45
3.1. Training Methods...................................................................................................46
3.2. Necessity of Variety of Training Methods...........................................................46
3.3. Appropriate Method Selecting Criteria................................................................47
3.4. Nature of Training Methods..................................................................................47
3.5. Method of Training for TVET System: Their Effectiveness---------------------------48
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Unit 4: Classroom Management....................................................................................50
Learning Objectives of the Unit:---------------------------------------------------------------------51
4. Classroom Management------------------------------------------------------------------------52
4.1 Definition of Classroom Management---------------------------------------------------54
4.2 Goals of Classroom Management--------------------------------------------------------55
4.3 Classroom Management Models----------------------------------------------------------56
4.4 General Principles for Using Classroom Management Strategies----------------56
4.5 Effective Classroom Management--------------------------------------------------------57
UNIT 5: Formulate a Planning for Training Session--------------------------------------57
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................58
5. Session Plan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------59
5.1 Fundamental Questions of Instructional (session) Planning ----------------------59
5.2 Types of Instructional plan ----------------------------------------------------------------60
5.3 Guidelines for Writing Instructional Objectives ---------------------------------------61
Unit 6: Introduction to Bloom’s Taxonomy.......................................................................62
Learning objectives of the unit.........................................................................................62
6.1 Cognitive Domain -----------------------------------------------------------------------------63
6.2 The Affective Domain ------------------------------------------------------------------------64
6.3 Psychomotor Domain ------------------------------------------------------------------------65
6.4 Using Taxonomies as Planning Tools -------------------------------------------------------66
6.5 Functions of a theory-------------------------------------------------------------------------67
Exercises............................................................................................................................ 67
Self-check questions.........................................................................................................68
REFERENCES:................................................................................................................. 68
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1.2. Human Development --------------------------------------------------------------------------
71
1.3. Theories of Human Development-----------------------------------------------------------71
1.4. Theories of Learning and its Educational Implication---------------------------------72
1.5. Motivation Theories and its Classroom Implications ---------------------------------72
1.6. Individual Differences ------------------------------------------------------------------------73
Sub theme 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Learning---------------------------------------73
Chapter Two:
Learning Objectives---------------------------------------------------------------------------------73
2.1. Meaning of Terms--------------------------------------------------------------------------74
2.2. Types of Evaluation -----------------------------------------------------------------------74
2.3. Principles of Assessment and Evaluation ---------------------------------------------75
2.4. Purposes/Functions of Assessment and Evaluation---------------------------------75
2.5. Educational Objectives-------------------------------------------------------------------76
2.6. Classroom Tests and Assessments---------------------------------------------------- 76
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INTRUDACTION
I. Background
This module is meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teacher graduates in Ethiopia. The TVET
sector plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development, reducing
unemployment, and enhancing the quality of life. As part of the ongoing reforms in the
TVET sector, there is a critical need to ensure that TVET teacher graduates possess
the requisite competencies and skills to deliver effective vocational education. Hence,
this module is prepared to equip TVET teacher graduates with the necessary
knowledge, pedagogical skills, and attitudes essential for successful vocational
teaching.
This detailed explanation emphasizes the rationale behind developing the module,
which is to address the specific needs of TVET teacher graduates and to ensure they
acquire the competencies required for successful vocational teaching. The module's
structure and content organization are highlighted to provide a clear understanding of
its scope and objectives.
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Expected Profiles of Graduates
This section outlines the desirable qualities and competencies expected of TVET
teacher graduates, including theoretical understanding, practical skills, critical
thinking, resource allocation, and effective classroom management.
B. Learning Outcomes
Graduates completing the module will demonstrate vocational-related skills, employ
effective instructional strategies, develop diverse learning materials, utilize technology
for teaching and assessment, foster inclusive learning environments, and engage in
continuous professional development, among other outcomes.
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understanding learner characteristics and needs. (Delivery of Training in
conducive Environment 20%)
4. Assessment and Evaluation: Courses in this theme focus on various
assessment and evaluation tools, methods for measuring student learning
outcomes, and using assessment data to inform instructional decisions.
(Assessment and Evaluation of Training 33%)
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• It views curriculum development as something similar to engineering and
architecture which used instruments and empirical methods in preparing
blueprints
It has three sub-approaches:
Behavioral-Rational Approach
System- Managerial Approach
Intellectual- Academic Approach
B. Non-Technical/Non-Scientific Approach
It also has three sub-approaches:
1. Humanistic- Aesthetic Approach:- Promotes the liberation of learners from
authoritarian teachers - Encourages group learning activities
2. Reconstructionism:- Considers the school as an agent of change, an
institution of social reform - internationalism and pluralism which are beyond
individual concerns
3. Reconceptualist Approach:- Purpose of education is to anticipate society
from traditional,
1.3 Foundations of Curriculum
1.3.1 Philosophical Foundations
Philosophy is the way we perceive the world around us and how we define what is
important to us, it helps us to understand what we are, why we are and where we are
going
Philosophical foundations refer to the philosophies, values, ideals and ideologies
because they represent points of view which guide the development of the curriculum
at a particular time.
1.3.2 Sociological Foundations
It is about the social setting, especially the relationship between schools and society
and how that relationship influences curriculum decisions.
Social wisdom is essential for curriculum planners and developers. Curriculum
decisions take place in complex social settings, through demands that society
imposes and that filter down to schools.
1.3.3 Psychological Foundations
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In the development of psychological foundations, the more significant exploration has
revolved around theories of learning. This is because psychology provides a basis for
understanding the teaching and learning process.
1.3.4 Historical Foundations
The history of society in general is interwoven with attempts to meet societal needs
for skilled man power.
While the need for trained personnel has been recognized throughout history, the
problem of providing such personnel has become increasingly difficult, as the rate of
change in needs for workers has accelerated.
1.4 Domains of Curriculum
• Curriculum’s domain defines the field’s internal boundaries-the accepted
knowledge presented in published articles and books.
• Although curricularists generally agree on the foundation areas (the field’s
external boundaries), they often disagree on curriculum’s knowledge domains.
• Many efforts have been made to determine these domains. However, still
opinions regarding what curriculum knowledge base essentially vary among
scholars.
• The US curriculum professors validated 49 curriculum practices which are
grouped into nine curriculum domains:
1) Curriculum philosophy;
2) Curriculum theory;
3) Curriculum research;
4) Curriculum history; etc…
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2.1 Curriculum Theory: Meanings, Definitions, and Characteristics
Curriculum theory refers to the scholarly inquiry into the nature, purpose, and
principles of curriculum design and implementation. It includes:
Meanings: Various interpretations and perspectives on curriculum theory.
Definitions: Formal definitions and conceptualizations of curriculum theory.
Characteristics: Key features and attributes of curriculum theories.
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• Some theories have predictive powers and can tell us what will very likely
happen if we do this or that, the decision to choose one alternative over
another is ours.
C) Explanation function
• Theories address the why? question.
• A theory points out the relationship between phenomena and suggests the
reasons for the relationships.
D) Guidance function
• A theory helps researchers to collect and analyze relevant data about a
phenomenon. Theories serve a directive function especially in research.
• But, theories may not always produce correct answers and they never tell us
what we should do (Henson, 2001).
• Thus, the role of the theory is not to guide our behavior, rather it is to help
guide our thinking.
1) Identification of Needs:
- Assessing stakeholders' needs, goals, and expectations.
- Conducting needs assessments, gap analysis, and stakeholder consultations.
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- Philosophy (Pragmatism), Aim (Social development), Goal (Becoming responsible
member), Objective (Developing healthy social attitude).
- Sources: Society, Learner, Subject.
- Criteria: Matching, Worth, Wording, Appropriateness, Logical grouping, Periodic
revision.
- Taxonomy: Cognitive (6 levels), Affective (5 levels), Psychomotor (5 levels).
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5) Pilot Testing the Curriculum & Curriculum Diffusion
- Spread of curriculum renewal information.
- Pilot testing for meaningful implementation.
It refers to the spread of information about curriculum renewal, namely about
innovative instruction or instruction-related practices aimed at preparing and informing
all those involved with the curriculum change;
It is a prerequisite for a meaningful and successful implementation of curriculum
renewal or curriculum change. It consists in the distribution or publication of
information, reflections and decisions.
Curriculum diffusion/dissemination
• It consists in the distribution or publication of information, reflections and
decisions.
• It refers to the spread of information about curriculum renewal, namely about
innovative instruction or instruction-related practices aimed at preparing and
informing all those involved with the curriculum change.
• It turns out to be a prerequisite for a meaningful and successful implementation
of curriculum renewal or curriculum change.
6) Curriculum Implementation
- Fidelity approach, Mutual adaptation, Curriculum enactment.
- Factors: Program, People, Organization.
Teacher Training: Providing professional development for educators.
Resource Allocation: Allocating resources, materials, and technology for
implementation.
Scheduling: Planning and organizing instructional time and activities.
Classroom Management: Creating a conducive learning environment for
implementation.
Monitoring and Support: Monitoring progress, providing support, and addressing
challenges during implementation.
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• Substitution- substituting a new book for the current series
7) Curriculum Evaluation
- Describing, obtaining, and providing useful information.
- Functions: Identify strengths/weaknesses, Check effectiveness, Provide feedback.
Types of Evaluation:
Formative Evaluation: Ongoing assessment and feedback during curriculum
implementation.
Summative Evaluation: Assessing overall outcomes and effectiveness at the end of
the curriculum cycle.
Stakeholder Feedback: Gathering input from students, teachers, parents, and
administrators.
Data Analysis: Analyzing data and evidence to evaluate curriculum impact and
outcomes.
Continuous Improvement: Using evaluation findings to make revisions and
improvements to the curriculum.
• People improve when they detect the desire of the stimulator to improve
himself
• Direction of improvement should be determine cooperatively
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• People must identify and examine each other’s centrally held values
• People improve through experience
• Divide time between contact individual and with go group.
• People’s resistance to efforts of others constitutes major individual differences
• Create a climate of freedom
• Keep channels of communication offer
• Use power with great care
• Operate on a limited number of fronts at a given time.
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Figure 5.1: Simplified approach to competency based curriculum development
Adapted from: (Laird and Stevenson, 1993)
Competency based Curriculum Development has its own basic principles. They are:
goal setting is based on preparing the student for a particular professional/vocational
activity in accordance with the requirements of the economy/labor market or a
particular customer-employer;
Social partnership or the involvement in the designing curriculum and teaching
activities representatives of the economic sphere - direct customers, consumers and
beneficiaries of the results;
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5.3 Practical Steps in the Development of Outcome Based Curriculum
There are three major kinds of methodologies for defining occupational standards.
These are job/task analysis, DACUM, and Functional Analysis.
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UNIT 6: Preparation of Teaching, Training, and Learning Materials (TTLMs)
TTLMs are
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tools that are used by teachers and instructors within schools to facilitate
learning and understanding of concepts among students
educational materials that are used within the classroom setting to support the
learning objectives, as set-out within the lesson plans
the instruments of presentations and transmission of the prescribed
educational material (Busljeta, 2013)
The major role that has been rendered by the TTLMs is to make learning real,
practical and pleasurable for the students. The teachers also make use of TTLMs to
illustrate or reinforce a skill, viewpoint, perspective or an idea.They also render a
significant contribution in bringing novelty and freshness within the classroom
environment
Trainers should be skilled and well-aware of what TTLMs are required to be made
use of the major aspects those needs to be taken into account regarding the use of
TTLMs are:
• Grade levels of students,
• Subjects,
• Learning abilities and
• Academic goals.
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5. Contribute to the development of different skills, values and attitudes among
students, and enabling them to acquire an efficient understanding of the academic
concepts.
Types of TTLMs
Audio and Video TTLMs
Textbooks/Modules
Maps
Charts
Posters
Models
Overhead Projector
Power Point Slides
Computers
Other Reading Materials
Phase-II write up
• This phase takes only 50% of the time; the other half of the time is used for
preparation and planning
• The following basic structure is applicable to all kinds of TTLMs
• Start,
• Kernel/Core &
• Conclusion
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– Are the students going to be satisfied with such a formation of the
learning material?
• Answers to these questions can be obtained from_
– Administering questionnaire for users
– Critical commentary from professionals/colleagues
– Analyzing feedback from pilot testing
Exercises
1. What does a curriculum mean?
2. Which of the foundations of vocational education is basic? Why?
3. Which model suits the TVET system well? Why?
4. Which curriculum theorization is suitable for the TVET context? Why?
5. Which perspective to curriculum implementation is suitable for the TVET
landscape? Why?
6. How do you explain the process of linking Occupational Standard with Training
Standard in the Ethiopian TVET system?
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Self-check questions
[Please put work order for the self-check here]
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REFERENCE
1. Beauchamp, G. (1975). Curriculum theory. Illinois: The Kagg Press.
2. Derebssa Dufera, (2008). Theoretical and Practical Issues in the
Implementation of the Current Ethiopian School Curriculum. Addis Ababa:
Addis Ababa University.
3. Jackson, P.W. (Ed.). (1992). Handbook of research on curriculum. New York:
Macmillan.
4. Kelly, A. V. (2004) The Curriculum – Theory and Practice (fifth Edition),
London: Sage Publications
5. Laird, D. & Stevenson, J. A (1993). Curriculum development framework for
vocational education. Australian and New Zealand. Journal of Vocational
Education Research, 3, 71-92.
6. Stenhouse, L., (1975), An Introduction to Curriculum Research and
Development. London: Heinemann Educational Books Ltd
7. Tyler, R.W. (1949). Basic principles of curriculum and instruction. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press.
Direct Teaching
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In view of learning instructivist believe that direct teaching can be extremely effective.
Direct teaching descriptors/names are:
Explicit instruction
Systematic instruction
Direct instruction (DI)
Active teaching and
Teacher- directed approach
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extraordinary abilities after years and years of experience and research. One of the
most important questions in education today still is. What is effective teacher?
The Role Model Definition
A good teacher is a good person, a role model who means the community ideal for
good citizens, good parent, and a good employee. Teachers are expected to be
honest, hardworking, generous, friendly, and considerate, and to demonstrate these
qualities in their class room by being organized, discipline, insightful and committed.
Practically speaking, this means that to be effective, a new teacher must have King
Solomon Wisdom, Sigmund Freud’s insight, Albert Einstein’s knowledge, and
Florence Nightingale’s dedication.
Foundations of Teaching
Understanding the philosophical idea that has shaped education is an important part
of education as professional. To understand will enable the teacher to think clearly
what you are doing, and to see what you are doing in the larger context of individual
and social development.
Nature of Philosophy
Philosophy is concerned with identifying the basic truths about being, knowledge and
conduct. Philosophy may be literally translated from original
In simplest term your educational philosophy consists on what you believe about
education - the set of principles that guide your professional action.
i. Beliefs about teaching and learning
Answers the questions what will be the teacher’s primary role, will it be to transmit
knowledge to the students, or to guide their practice as they develop skills in using
their knowledge
ii. Beliefs about the students
Teacher’s belief about students will have a great influence on how to teach. Every
teacher formulates an image in his/ her mind about the students are like – their
disposition, skills, motivation level, and expectations.
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iii. Beliefs about knowledge
How teachers view knowledge is directly related to how they go about teaching.
iv. Beliefs about what is worth knowing
Teachers have different ideas about what to should be taught. One teacher, who
tends to prefer transmission view of teaching, believes it is most important that
students learn the basic skills of reading, writing, computation, and oral
communication. These are the skills they will need to be successful in their chosen
occupation. It is the school responsibility to prepare the students to the world of work.
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-Clarity: Clear communication of learning objectives, expectations, and instructions
helps students understand what is expected of them and how they can succeed.
Hands-on Training: Providing opportunities for students to practice and apply skills
in real or simulated work environments. This can include apprenticeships, internships,
lab sessions, or workshops.
Simulation: Creating realistic scenarios or simulations that mimic workplace
challenges and tasks. This allows students to develop problem-solving skills,
decision-making abilities, and confidence in their abilities.
Project-Based Learning: Engaging students in projects or tasks that require them to
apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems or create tangible
outcomes. This promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Technology Integration: Leveraging technology tools and resources such as virtual
reality, online simulations, and interactive software to enhance learning experiences
and provide access to industry-relevant tools and practices.
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1.5 Teaching Profession
The teaching profession is characterized by a set of responsibilities, skills, and ethical
considerations that contribute to effective teaching and positive student outcomes:
Professional Knowledge: Teachers are expected to possess subject matter
expertise, pedagogical knowledge, and an understanding of diverse learning needs
and styles.
Instructional Planning: Teachers plan and prepare lessons, activities, and
assessments that align with curriculum standards and learning objectives. They adapt
instructional strategies to meet the needs of individual students and diverse learner
groups.
Classroom Management: Creating a conducive learning environment involves
managing classroom dynamics, fostering positive relationships, promoting discipline
and respect, and addressing behavior issues effectively.
Continuous Professional Development: Teachers engage in ongoing learning,
reflection, and professional growth to stay updated with best practices, innovations in
education, and advancements in their field of expertise.
Ethical Practices: Teachers uphold ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism
in their interactions with students, colleagues, parents, and the broader community.
They prioritize student well-being, safety, and inclusivity in their teaching practices.
Humanistic perspective is taken from the theory of Gestalt, Abraham Maslow’s theory
and Carl Rogers’ theory. While the Gestalt theory assumes that learning can be
explained in terms of the wholeness of the problem, the environment is changing and
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the learner is continuously reorganizing his or her perceptions, Abraham Maslow’s
theory considers the importance of taking in to account human needs for self-
actualizing in teaching learners. Carl Rogers’ theory focuses on non-directive lives of
a person so that learners should be considered given chance to learn freely in line
with their wishes to arrive at solution for life problem instead of directing them in pre-
designed lesson to come to solution of problems.
Therefore, the theorists in this perspective believe that a more advanced and
comprehensive education must be crafted along this line to promote human potential.
Teachers don’t only educate the minds, but the hearts as well- use of value-laden
lessons, or after discussing the lesson, the teacher must introduce some values
(virtues) that can be deduced from the topic.
Thus, the humanistic perspective is the view that is concerned with how learners can
develop their human potential. As a result, in the humanistic perspective context, the
‘affective’ issues are give emphasis.
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For example:- using concrete manipulatives for young learners and abstract
concepts for older students.
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The behavioral perspective in instructional decision-making focuses on observable
behaviors, reinforcement, and conditioning processes that influence learning
outcomes.
Key considerations include:
Operant Conditioning: Using reinforcement, rewards, and consequences to shape
desired behaviors and learning outcomes. This includes positive reinforcement for
desired behaviors and corrective feedback for errors.
-Social and Cultural Factors: Considering the impact of social, cultural, and
environmental factors on students' attitudes, beliefs, and values. Promoting diversity,
equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness in teaching practices and curriculum
design.
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These perspectives on instructional decision-making provide educators with valuable
frameworks and strategies to design, implement, and evaluate effective teaching and
learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of learners
-Catering to Learning Styles: Different learners have varied preferences and learning
styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), requiring a mix of methods to accommodate
diverse needs.
-Enhancing Engagement: Variety keeps training sessions interesting and engaging,
preventing monotony and promoting active participation.
-Addressing Content Complexity: Some topics may be better suited for certain
methods (e.g., hands-on training for technical skills, case studies for complex
problem-solving).
-Maximizing Learning Outcomes: Using a combination of methods enhances
understanding, retention, and application of knowledge and skills.
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3.2 Appropriate Method Selecting Criteria
Some of the factors that will influence the choice of training method selected might
include(Leigh,2006):
1/ Course objectives 2/ Equipment needed
3/ Time available 4/ Degree of participation expected
5/ Participant’s level of understanding 6/ Facilities available
7/ Any previous experience 8/ Size of group
9/ Financial resources available
It is also worth emphasizing that there is no rule that states that the trainer should use
only one training method for the duration of the course. Using a variety of techniques
not only increases the group’s attention span but it will frequently reflect the working
reality where a combination of different approaches might be needed.
Based on this fact, we shall examine the description, the advantages, disadvantage
and application of each training method as follows:
V. Discussion
Description:- A free verbal exchange of knowledge, ideas or opinions between
trainer and learners.
Approach
A discussion for instructional purposes can be differentiated from a social
conversation by the fact that a conversation usually covers a range of topics and has
no boundaries or structure. Discussions on the other hand, tend to be limited to one
aspect or topic and have a degree of order about them. As it is important that
everyone should air their views and consider those of others, interruptions become
less acceptable.
Advantages of discussion
1. Monitors understanding
2. Gains commitment
3. Interactive
Disadvantages of discussion
1. Deviating from the topic
2. Dependent on the group
3. Show firm position
In the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, effective
training methods include:
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Unit 4: Classroom Management
Learning Objectives of the Unit:
At the end of this unit, trainees are expected to:
• Identify the technique how to manage classroom so that the learning
environment is fair to all trainees
• Analyze a classroom management technique to determine its impact on
trainees' learning
• Establish a classroom environment that rewards appropriate behavior and
deters inappropriate behavior
• Distinguish how classroom arrangement and trainer observation affect
trainee learning and behavior
4. Classroom Management
4.1 Definition of Classroom Management
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Fostering a positive and respectful classroom climate that promotes student
engagement and participation.
Managing behavior effectively to minimize disruptions and maximize learning
opportunities.
Promoting collaboration, communication, and mutual respect among students
and between students and teachers.
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4.4 General Principles for Using Classroom Management Strategies
Here are some principles that may help the teacher under the concept discipline
clearly.
Principle 1: the aims of education and class discipline are the same: to help students
become self-directing people.
Principle 2: Discipline should be dynamic, helping students to channel their energies
towards learning goals.
Principle 3: Discipline is inseparable from teaching.
Principle 4: Discipline should change with the learners’ stage of development and
help them move to the next stage.
Principle 5: Behavior is determined by rational demands of the specific situations.
Principle 6: teaching effectiveness, as perceived by learners, gives the teacher
classroom authority.
Principle 7: Discipline is the ability to attend to a task.
Principle 8: No matter what the classroom design or how learners are organized for
instruction, the principle for effective teaching and discipline apply.
Principle 9: By identifying and dealing effectively with the factors under their control
and influence, teachers can, in most cases, tip the balance in favour of discipline.
Principle 10: principle of redirection: Socialization requires the redirection of
destructive behavior into socially useful behavior.
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Principle 11: Principle of agreement: ways of dealing with misbehavior should be in
agreement with developmental goals.
Principle 12: Basic disciple can be achieved only when basic needs, such as food
and safety, are met. Schools should recognize that all students need to be valued and
respected as people which they need to have some measure of control over their
lives and activities, in school and out.
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Lowering academic marks;
Corporal punishment, etc.
5. Instructional Planning
It is a set of notes in logical order for the trainer to follow and ensure that the
objectives set for the session are met.
It is a tool for trainers to ensure that they head towards the objective(s) of the session.
It is also a checklist of the resources required for the lesson.
It is a blueprint that identifies the basic 5Ws (who, what, where, when and why).
6.3.Psychomotor Domain
The psychomotor domain of Bloom's Taxonomy involves physical skills, coordination,
and motor abilities. It includes levels such as:
- Perception: Sensory awareness and interpretation of stimuli.
- Set: Mental, physical, and emotional readiness to perform.
- Guided Response: Following instructions and imitating actions.
- Mechanism: Performing skills with precision and control.
- Complex Overt Response: Coordination of multiple skills to achieve a goal.
- Adaptation: Adjusting skills based on changing conditions.
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- Origination: Creating new movements or solutions independently.
Exercises
1. What are some of the teaching practices used by effective teacher?
2. What is the purpose of using a variety of training methods and techniques?
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3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using demonstration methods
as a training method?
4. Define teaching in your own words and explain the characteristics of effective
teaching.
5. Develop a session plan for a practical vocational training session, outlining the
objectives, activities, and assessment methods.
6. Compare and contrast the cognitive perspective with other instructional
approaches in terms of promoting deeper understanding and critical thinking
skills.
7. List three different training methods suitable for teaching practical skills in
vocational education.
8. Explain the concept and the importance of TTLM?
9. Explain the relationship between TVET programs and Occupations Standards?
10. Identify the methods appropriate for vocational training situations:
A. Case studies
B. Role-playing
C. Simulation exercises
D. On-the-job training
E. Group discussions
Self-check questions
[Please put work order for the self-check here]
References
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Baofu,P.(2011) The Future of Post-Human Education A Preface to a New Theory of
Teaching and Learning. Cambridge: Cambridge International Science
Publishing.
Bernstein,D., Penner,L., Clarke-Stewart,A. & Roy, E.(2006). Psychology.7 th ed.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cohen,L., Manion,L., Morrison,K., and Wyse,D.(2010) Aguide to teaching practice(5th
Ed.).London; Routledge.
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Crawford,A., Saul,E., Mathews,S. & Makinster,J.(2005).Teaching and learning
strategies for the thinking classroom. New York: Open Society Institute.
Ellis,D.(2009). From Master trainee to master employee.2nded. Boston: Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt publishing company.
Hayes,D.(2011)Encyclopedia of primary education. London: Routledge
Killen,R.(2013). Effective Teaching Strategies: Lessons from Research and
practices(6th
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Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
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Applied Knowledge Services. Public-Private Partnerships a Basic
Introduction for Non-Specialists.
Educational psychology is the combination of two fields i.e. education and psychology. It is an
applied branch of psychology. As the name indicates, it is concerned with teaching-learning
situation, and the factors, principles and techniques related to the various aspects of human
growth and development. It draws knowledge from various branches of psychology, biology
sociology and anthropology, philosophy, and others. It also limits itself with the behavior of
the individuals in relation to formal educational environment. Hence, it is not concerned with
what and why of education. Rather it gives necessary knowledge and skill (technical guidance)
of provision of education to the individual satisfactorily.
1.1.2. Scope of Educational Psychology
There are five scopes of educational psychology. They are learner, learning process, learning
situation, teacher, and evaluation of student performance. Each of them is briefly discussed
hereunder.
1. The Learner: The learner is the center of every educational practice. Knowing the
learner in terms of ability, capacities, behavior, learning style, interest and motivation
is essential.
2. The Learning Process: It deals with the nature of learning and how it takes place.
Laws, principles and theories of learning are in conjunction with other cognitive
processes such as Remembering and forgetting, perceiving, concept formation,
thinking and reasoning, problem solving, transfer of learning, ways and means of
effective learning.
3. The Learning Situation: It deals with the environment factors like classroom climate,
group dynamics, evaluation and supportive such as guidance and counseling, etc
4. The Teacher: The need of knowing the self (individual) for a teacher to play her/ his
role properly in the process of education. The teacher to manage interests, aptitudes
and traits to handle the stress, conflict and anxiety in the process.
5. Evaluation of Student Performance: The main objective of education is all round
development of the learner. It includes cognitive, affective and psychomotor aspects of
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personality. Hence, educational Psychology suggests various tool and techniques for
assessment and evaluation such as performance test, oral test and written test.
Activity 1: Discuss with the other classmates about the extent to which each area or scope of
educational psychology is implemented or applied in this institute.
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3) Learning: is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience or
practice.
4) Development: is a series of progressive characteristics change in physical, mental and
psychosocial those occur in people as they pass through the life-span. It results in
strength, degree of differentiation, organization of personality and function of behavior.
Human development is viewed from varied or many aspects. They include physical
development, mental or intellectual development, and socio-emotional (psychosocial)
development. Physical development includes roll over, crawl, walk, grasp objects. Mental
development comprises respond to cold, hunger, and pain by crying. Begin to recognize
surroundings and become aware of surroundings and people. Emotional development consists
or shows anger, distrust, happiness, excitement, etc. Social development indicates self-
centeredness concept of the newborn to recognition of others in their environment. These
aspects of human development bring an all-rounded development to an individual person.
Development must be holistic. Therefore, development includes growth, maturation, and
learning.
1.2.3. Principles of Development
There are basic principles of human development, which are discussed hereunder as follows:
1) Principle of Continuity vs Discontinuity
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process of development. For example, children go from only being able to think in very literal
terms to being able to think abstractly. They have moved into the 'abstract thinking' phase of
their lives.
2) Sequentially: Development follows an orderly sequence in individuals and show high
degree of similarity in the order in which various developments appear. Sequentially is
thought of as locomotion, cephalocoudal, and proximodistal directions.
Locomotion: It develops in a sequence in all infants of different culture of the
world. The sequence is creeping, crawling, standing and walking.
Cephalocoudal: (from Latin, meaning “head to tail”), development starts from
head and proceeds towards heel. That is head develops in advance of the lower
parts of the body.
Proximodistal: A Latin word, near to far Development starts from the center
and proceed to extremities. The lung and heart develop before the hand, legs
and fingers.
3) Generality to Specificity: Development proceeds from general to specific, mass to
specific. For example, in language, from genetic sounds emerge words and then
specific sentences with meaning. In addition, the fetus moves its whole body but in
capable of making specific responses.
4) Development proceeds from the simple to the more complex: Children use their
cognitive and language skills to reason and solve problems.
5) Differentially: The tempo of development is not even. Individuals differ in the rate of
growth and development. Examples, Boys and girls have different development rates.
Each parts of the body have its own particular rate of growth.
6) Interaction: According to this principle development is the result of hereditary forces
inherent in the genetic constitution of the individual and environmental forces.
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Theories of Human Development
1.2.4. Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
Understanding the environment via seeing, hearing, physical, and motoric actions is the main
characteristic feature at this stage. Sucking of objects, following moving objects with the eyes
and palmer grasp). Infants view that things that are out of sight are out of mind. After eight
months there is a development of object permanence. Object permanence is the understanding
that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.
2) Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 Years)
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3) Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 Years)
This stage is characterized by the following characteristics such as thinking abstractly; testing
hypothesis; drawing conclusions from the information available; and develop advanced
mathematical skills such as doing percentages, ratios, and fractions.
Activity 2: What if the cognitive theory is applied in the teaching learning process? Discuss
what you think about its relevance for achieving success in instructional process.
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1.2.5. Eric Erikson Psychosocial Development Theory
Erik Erikson is the proponents of this theory. He viewed that human beings have different
psychosocial needs in the course of their life-span. Society has to help by meeting the specific
needs of the individual Erikson proposed eight stages of psychosocial development.
Each stage is characterized by a particular crisis the way in which each person resolves the
crisis will have a lasting effect on his/her personality. Healthy ego development involves
making adjustments to the demands of the particular crisis. If the conflict is not resolved , the
person will continue to struggle and experience a negative outcome. Success in each stage lays
the ground work for resolving the crisis of later stages and result in positive outcome.
Successful resolution of each of the eight crises requires balancing a positive trait and a
corresponding negative trait. Positive quality should predominate but some elements of the
negative are needed too.
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example, babies will begin to understand that objects and people exist even when they cannot
see them.
Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
This stage covers from 2 to 3 years. Children focused on developing a greater sense of
personal control. Gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing
selection, feed themselves, wash and dress themselves, and use the bathroom. Erikson believes
that learning to control one’s body functions leads a sense of independence. If caregivers
encourage self-sufficient behavior, toddlers develop a sense of autonomy and being confident.
But if caregivers refuse to let children perform tasks of which they are capable or ridicule early
attempts at self-sufficiency; children may develop shame and doubt about their ability and to
handle problems. The virtue at this stage is will. For example, Children begin to assume
important responsibilities for self-care like feeding, toileting & dressing.
Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt
This stage covers from 3 to 5 years. Initiative leads to undertaking, planning and doing a task
for the sake of being active and on the move. The child wants to begin and complete his own
actions for a purpose. Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead
others, being self-starter, assertive. Unsuccessfulness left with a sense of guilt and lack of
initiative. They may feel guilt when their initiative does not produce desired results. The virtue
at this stage is purpose. For example, passing tools to a parent who is fixing a bicycle.
Stage 4: Industry vs Inferiority
This stage covers 5 to 11 years. Children are concerned with mastering (achieving) school
activities like drawing, calculating, reading, playing games. Through social interactions,
children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children who
are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and
belief in their skills. Those who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or
peers will feel inferior. The virtue at this stage is competence. For example, children want to
do productive work on their own.
Stage 5: Identity vs Role Confusion
This stage covers 12- 20 years. Adolescent concerned with how they appear to others.
Settlement on a school or occupational identity, sexual identity and career identity are
pleasant. Adolescents ponder the roles they will play in the adult world. (e.g. tinkering with
cars, baby-sitting for neighbors, affiliating with certain political or religious groups).
Adolescents may experiment with a variety of behaviors and activities. Balancing of “What
have I got?” and “What am I going to do with it?” result in establishment of one’s identity.
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The virtue at this stage is fidelity. For example, adolescents attempt to establish their own
identities & see themselves as separate from their parents.
Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation
This stage covers 20 to 35 years. An early adulthood explores personal relationships. People
develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this
step will develop relationships that are committed and secure. Those with a poor sense of self
tend to have less committed relationships and are more likely to suffer emotional isolation,
loneliness, and depression. The virtue at this stage is love. For example, sharing oneself with
others on a moral, emotional, and sexual level; marriage.
Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation
This stage occurs from 40-65 years. At this stage adults become concerned with guiding and
contributing to the next generation. Procreation of children, production of work, creation of
new things and creation of ideas contribute to the building of a better world. Care for others is
an outstanding characteristic of the period and call sense of generetivity. An individual may
stagnate, and become concerned with personal needs and wellbeing-self-concern (develop
stagnation). The virtue at this stage is care. For example, generativity is expressed through
activities like teaching and mentorship; it also takes the form of productivity or creativity to
further develop personal identity.
Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair
This stage occurs from 65 – death. It is characterized by looking back on life to evaluate what
has been accomplished and the kind of person she/ he has been. Those who successfully
resolved the prior crisis and achieve their goals in their lives realize that their lives have made
meaning so develop the sense of integrity and are likely to accept death and retirement. Those
individuals who have not succeeded in their life develop the sense of despair (hopelessness).
They realize that they have not time to start another life and feel bitter about their lives. Such
individuals wish to get more time if possible to do away with their unfinished businesses. For
example, aged person may find it necessary to reflect what they had accumulated throughout
life.
1.3. Theories of Learning and its Educational Implication
1.3.1. Definition of Learning
Learning usually involves a change in behaviour (knowledge, skill, and attitude) which lasts
for some time and is the result of experience. Learning is seen as an outcome or the end
product of some process which can be recognized. When learning is seen as a process, the
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focus is on what happens when learning takes place. Summing up, learning is relatively
permanent behavioral change that occurs as a result of experience or practice. Learning is
defined differently by scholars and the definitions are indicated hereunder as follows:
B. F. Skinner: Learning is a function of change in overt behaviour. The probability of
learning occurring is enhanced when there is reinforcement.
Albert Bandura: Learning occurs when individuals observe and imitate other’s
behaviour.
Lev Vygotsky: Learning is determined by interaction with the surrounding culture and
people such as parents, peers and significant others.
Howard Gardner: People learn and understand the world through at least seven ways ă
verbal-linguistic, visual-spatial, logical mathematical, body kinaesthetic, musical-
rhythmic, interpersonal and intrapersonal.
Jean Piaget: Learning occurs through the process of assimilation and accommodation
with one’s schemas and constantly seeking equilibrium between these processes.
A learning theory is an attempt to describe how people and animals learn; thereby helping us
understands the inherently complex process of learning. Hence, few learning theories with
their educational implications are presented hereunder as follows:
1.3.2.1. Behavioral Theories of Learning
Behaviorism focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the
environment. This learning theory states that behaviors are learned from the environment, and
says that innate or inherited factors have very little influence on behavior. The behaviourists
believe that the only behaviour worth describing is that which is measurable. If we are able to
measure it, we first must be able to observe it. The behavioral learning theories have the
following educational implications:
Teachers are able to apply classical conditioning in the class by creating a positive
classroom environment to help students overcome anxiety or fear. For example, pairing
an anxiety-provoking situation, such as performing in front of a group, with pleasant
surroundings helps the student learn new associations.
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Teach students to generalize and discriminate appropriately. For example, oor
performance on one assignment or test does not mean that the student is a week
student.
The good method and kind treatment a teacher can bring desirable impacts upon the
Learners. The Learners may like the boring subject because of teacher’s role. For
example, a Maths teacher with his or her defective method of teaching and improper
behavior in the classroom may be disliked by Learners. The Learners develop hatred
towards Maths due to teacher’s behavior. The teacher should try to start from known to
unknown, that is, establish an "association between what the learner already knows and
the new topic to be taught for meaningful learning to take place.
To maintain learned connection for longer period, review of learned material is
necessary.
In order to benefit from the mechanism of association in the learning process what is
being taught at one situation should be linked with the past experience of the learner.
The effects of rewards and punishment also affect the learning of the child. Thus,
teachers give emphasis on the use of reward and punishment in the class.
Teachers must observe the effects of his teaching methods on the students and should
not hesitate to make necessary changes in them.
To bring about successful learning outcomes the teacher must consider the psycho-
biological readiness of the learner. Curriculum of the students should be according to
the mental level of the learner and should not be beyond the intellectual level of the
learning.
Teacher should provide opportunity for sufficient practice in their field of
specialization. More and more opportunities should be given to the learners to use and
repeat the knowledge they get in the classroom for effectiveness and longer retention.
Practice leads a man towards maturity. Practice is the main feature of trial and error
method. Practice helps in reducing the errors committed by the learner in learning any
concept.
When students are dealing with factual material, do your best to give feedback
frequently, specifically and quickly.
Use several kinds of reinforcers so that each retains its effectiveness.
Use reinforcement to motivate students to learn material that is not intrinsically
interesting.
1.3.2.2. Cognitive Learning Theory
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Cognitive theory of learning is about understanding how the human mind works while people
learn. The theory focuses on how information is processed by the brain, and how learning
occurs through that internal processing of information. For example, to know that a triangle
has three sides, you need to understand and remember the attributes of a triangle. The
information processing theory one of the cognitive learning theory and is based on the idea
that humans actively process the information they receive from their senses, like a computer
does. Learning is what is happening when our brains receive information, record it, mould it
and store it. It has the following educational implications:
Gain the students' attention -- This might be done by using cues to signal that it is time
to begin or meaningfully varying voice and voice inflections.
Bring to mind relevant prior learning -- This might involve discussing something
students already know that is relevant to the topic they will be studying or relevant to
reviewing a previous day's lesson.
Point out what is important to recognize and know -- Using visual representations or
outlining the key concepts in a unit of study is examples of how this can be done.
Present information in an organized manner -- Making it easy for students to see the
structure of a unit and helping them to see relationships between different concepts
helps in implement this approach.
The theory states that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world,
through experiencing things and by reflecting on those experiences. For example, when we
encounter something new, we have to reconcile it with our previous ideas and experience,
perhaps by changing what we believe, or by discarding the new information as irrelevant. A
good teacher will design lessons that help students discover the relationship between bits of
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information. To do this a teacher must give students the information they need, but without
organizing it for them.
The constructivism theory of learning has the following educational implications that have to
be considered in the process of teaching and learning.
The instructor should try and encourage students to discover principles by themselves.
The instructor and student should engage in an active dialogue (i.e., Socratic learning).
Socratic learning is a pedagogical technique in which a teacher does not give
information directly but instead asks a series of questions, with the result that the
student comes either to the desired knowledge by answering the questions or to a
deeper awareness of the limits of knowledge.
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The task of the instructor is to translate information to be learned into a format
appropriate to the learner's current state of understanding.
Curriculum should be organized in a spiral manner so that the student continually
builds upon what they have already learned.
To the Gestalt psychologists, learning is concerned with the whole individual and arises from
the interaction of an individual with his situations or environment. Through this interaction
emerge new forms of perception, imagination and ideas which altogether constitute insight.
For example, when you're trying to remember where you put down your keys, you may think
back over the last few minutes and recall where you left them. But if you try to do this while
looking at a picture of those same keys, you'll find yourself unable to identify them. It has the
following educational implications:
Purpose or goals of learning should be made clear to the students before the teacher
starts teaching.(goal oriented).
Teachers should encourage their students to discover the relationship of the elements
that make up a problem (continuity). For example, to learn or memorize a poem,
present as a whole. After being read & understood as a whole, break into parts or
stanzas as for effective memorized.
Related topics or lessons should be taught aligned or closely to each other (proximity).
To help learners acquire understanding more rapidly and effectively, similar lessons or
materials should be grouped together. This is why lessons are broken down into units
(similarity).
Lessons should be presented in a way that allows students to see them as linked and
continuous. Students will recognize that their new lesson has continuity and is
connected to what they already know from the previous lesson in this way (continuity).
A figure must stand out from the background in order to be noticed. Important
components of the lesson should be highlighted. Teachers should, for example, change
their voice tone, write boldly, and underline the lesson’s most critical key terms (figure
ground). For example, the most important words in the paragraph are written in the
bolder fonts.
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1.3.5. Social Learning Theory
Social learning theory emphasizes on the importance of observing and modeling the
behaviours, attitudes and emotional reactions of others. Social learning theory focuses on the
learning that occurs within a social context. Learning results from directly experiencing the
consequences of using a skill, observing others, and seeing the consequences of their behavior.
It has the following educational implications:
The teacher should model positive behaviors on himself/herself.
Teachers should expose students to a variety of other models. This technique is
especially important to break down traditional stereotypes. For example,
incorporate technology by putting the students’ challenges and accomplishments
online on the class website so they can show their friends and family.
Vicarious reinforcement, modeling can be used by teachers to increase and focus
learners attention.
Teachers must model appropriate behaviors and take care that they do not model
inappropriate behaviors.
Teachers should help students set realistic expectations for their academic
accomplishments.
To promote effective modeling a teacher must take sure that the four essential
conditions exist; attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation.
1.3.6. Situational Learning Theory
Situated learning is a matter of creating meaning from the real activities of daily living where
learning occurs in a pro-social but informal setting. This notion suggests that learning takes
place through social relationships, within a cultural milieu, and by connecting prior knowledge
to new contexts. It suggests the means for relating subject matter to the needs and concerns of
learners. By embedding subject matter in the ongoing experiences of the learners and by
creating opportunities for learners to live subject matter in the context of real-world
challenges, knowledge is acquired and learning transfers from the classroom to the realm of
practice. To situate learning means to place thought and action in a specific place and time. It
has the following educational implications:
Learners learn and remember more when they talk about their experiences.
Learners can think more effectively when they acquire the basic cognitive tools of
various activities and academic disciplines.
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Learners should have opportunities to engage in activities that closely resemble
those they will encounter in the adult world.
Learners often acquire better strategies when they collaborate with adults on
complex tasks.
Challenging tasks, especially when sufficiently scaffold, are likely to foster
maximum cognitive development.
Group learning activities can help learners internalize cognitive strategies.
Access to expert performances and the modeling of process lead to better learning.
Intelligence is “the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or
more cultural setting”. Multiple intelligences theory states that everyone has all eight
intelligences at varying degrees of proficiency and an individual's learning style is unrelated to
the areas in which they are the most intelligent.
1. Linguistic Intelligence: “word smart”, refers to an individual’s ability to analyze
information and produce work that involves oral and written language. This person
learns best by saying, hearing, and seeing words; writing, talking, and reading.
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: “Maths smart”, describes the ability to detect
patterns, reason deductively and think logically, make calculations, and solve abstract
problems. This person learns best by using visual materials and hands-on projects.
3. Spatial Intelligence: “picture smart”, describes the ability manipulate and create
mental images in order to solve problems and reason, to visualize concepts and space.
This person learns best by drawing, molding, and diagrams.
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: It is expertise in using one’s whole body to express
ideas and feelings. For examples, acting, dancing, sports, and using body language.
This person learns best by doing, exploring, and discovering; planning and attending a
field trip; role plays, miming, dancing; and building models and grammar games.
5. Musical Intelligence: “music smart”, involves skill in the performance, composition,
and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and
compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. This person learns best by taught using
spoken instruction and auditory media.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence: “people smart”, reflects an ability to recognize and
understand other people’s moods, desires, motivations, and intentions. This person
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learns best by through communication with others, discussion, debating, and
teamwork.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence: “Self smart”, refers to people’s ability to recognize and
assess those same characteristics within themselves. This person learns best by
journaling, reflecting, and blogging.
8. Naturalistic Intelligence: “Nature smart”, refers to the ability to identify and
distinguish among different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in
the natural world. This person learns best by attending class outside; keeping a nature
journal to record changes or discoveries in nature; illustrating discoveries in nature;
and read books and articles about nature and the environment.
Multiple intelligence theory of learning has the following educational implications, which are
listed hereunder as follows:
Individuals should be encouraged to use their preferred intelligences in learning.
Instructional activities should appeal to different forms of intelligence.
Collaborating with other teachers: as a writing teacher, you might collaborate with a
colleague who is also interested in multiple intelligences.
Prepare assignments in different styles and ask students to do in different form:
providing students with various presentation options. In addition to writing essays, you
can encourage students to demonstrate what they know by giving oral presentations
accompanied by visual aids they create to organize the information.
Activity 4: Which theory of learning do you think is the most appropriate for the effectiveness
of learning and gives students an opportunity for the exploitation of their potential or talents?
Please share your discussion result to your classmates by discussing the class facilitator or
organizer of the instruction process. Please put here the summary of your final point or
consensus by the group members.
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1.4. Motivation Theories and its Classroom Implications
1.4.1. Definition of Motivation
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Motivation is an internal state or condition (sometimes described as a need, desire, or want)
that serves to activate or energize behavior and give it direction. It can also be defined as a
pushing and pulling force or energizer to accomplish goals.
1.4.2. Theories of Motivation
There are different theories of motivation. The theories are briefly discussed with their
educational implications hereunder as follows:
1.4.2.1. Attribution Theory of Motivation
According to this theory, motivation is a function of Expectancy (E), Instrumentality (I), and
Valence (V). The following are some of the implications of this theory of motivation which
are indicated hereunder as follows:
Make clear to students why a specific outcome is desirable (e.g. getting and A/A* in
exams). Make sure you list as many benefits as possible, especially those that most
relevant to their personal preferences, interests and life goals;
Provide them with a clear path to get there. A clear path gives a struggling student a
sense of empowerment, especially if they feel that they are being provided with
effective tips and support to overcome the obstacles in the way
Support their self-belief that outcome can be achieved (e.g. by mentioning to them
examples of students from previous cohorts of similar ability who did it) and by
reminding them of similar/comparable challenges they successfully undertook in the
past.
1.4.2.3. Goal-Setting Theory of Motivation
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In order to direct ourselves in our personal, educational and professional life we set ourselves
goals. These can be clear (so we know what to do and what not to do); challenging (so we get
some stimulation); achievable (so we do not fail); and if we set goals ourselves, rather than
having them imposed on us, we are more likely to work harder in order to achieve them. As an
Implication for the classroom, instead of setting goals for your students in a top-down fashion,
involve them actively in the process of learning. Moreover, help the students narrow down the
goals set as much as possible and gauge them as accurately as possible to their existing level of
competence.
1.4.2.4. Humanistic Theory of Motivation
Humanistic theory of motivation is primarily based on a sense that humans have strong
cognitive reasons to carry out various actions. Once the lower end of basic needs have been
met, the main motivator turns into having a strong need for self-actualization, or the desire to
fulfill our purpose in life. According to Abraham Maslow, there are five hierarchies or levels
of human needs such as basic or physiological needs, safety and security needs, love and
belonging needs, self-esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. The following are the
educational implications of humanistic theory of motivation:
Teachers should first understand the needs, interests, abilities, age level, attitudes,
aptitude of students then try to organize teaching learning process according to these.
Every individual has his own individuality. Teacher should respect and develop this
individuality through education.
Students need valued and respected in the classroom, and the teacher should create a
supportive environment. Students with a low self-esteem will not progress
academically at an optimum rate until their self-esteem is strengthened.
Allow the student to have a choice in the selection of tasks and activities whenever
possible.
Be a role model for the attitudes, beliefs and habits you wish to foster. Constantly work
on becoming a better person and then share yourself with your students.
Self-determination theory suggests that all humans have three basic psychological needs
autonomy, competence, and relatedness that underlie growth and development. They are
described as follows:
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1. Autonomy: The necessity of experiencing a sense of choice, willingness, and volition
as one behaves. For example, practicing an instrument because you take pleasure in it.
2. Competence: The desire to interact effectively with one’s environment.
3. Relatedness: The necessity for close and secure emotional bonds with significant
others and to feeling part of collectives. For example, deliberately arrange projects that
require a variety of talents; some educators call such activities “rich group work”.
Teachers spend time with her/his students before and after school helping them with
difficult activities.
Behavior can be motivated by the variety of incentives like grade, money, status, college
degree. This is also called pull theory b/c external stimuli attract behavior. Teachers will use
incentives for effective learning of the student in the classroom and the implications are the
following important points:
Set class goals. Set class behavior goals that are achievable and measurable.
Define how you will use the reward system.
Explain why you gave a reward.
Reward early.
Lessen/ reduce/ the rewards over time.
Give random rewards.
1.4.2.7. Drive Reduction Theory of Motivation
Drive reduction theory of motivation focuses on how motivation originates from biological
needs or drives. People behave a certain way to reduce the internal tension created in the body
as a result of unfulfilled biological needs. For example, the need to satisfy curiosity can
produce a motivating force. Hence, drive is something which is needed by the learner in order
to behave or respond. The educational implications of drive theory of motivation are:
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Foster the desire to learn by building on students' intrinsic curiosity. Scaffold
teaching by presenting new information at a level slightly higher than students' current
level of knowledge. Puzzling questions and the element of surprise are other ways to
spike curiosity and encourage learning.
Reinforce learning gradually and continually. Drive Reduction Theory points out
that giving more reinforcement results in more learning. Teachers should meet
students' achievements with constant challenges that are increasingly difficult.
Motivate students to learn with rewards. The need for achievement is a fundamental
human need. Reducing this drive by implementing task-specific rewards or by
recognizing and praising top achievers promotes learning in the classroom.
Capture the students' attention. Learning only occurs when students are engaged and
focused. Use novelty and creativity in teaching methods. For example, educators can
implement Internet research periods or use videoconferencing and educational
software.
Involve students in the learning process. Drive Reduction Theory depends on active
learning, so encourage, allow and value student responses to learning materials. Also
provide hands-on opportunities. Practical learning maximizes attention by allowing
students to experiment and problem solve on their own.
Satisfy students' curiosity. Foster an open attitude, answer questions and make sure
that each student is on the same page before moving on to a new theme.
Activity 5: Evaluate the motivation of your classmate student to learn. Consider their level of
readiness to learn. Put your discussion result here please!
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Individual Differences
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Individual differences are the more-or-less enduring psychological characteristics that
distinguish one person from another and thus help to define each person's individuality.
Among the most important kinds of individual differences are intelligence, personality traits,
and values. The differences among the learners are considered individual differences.
Individuals follow different paths as they progress toward expert understanding because they
learn differently based on their gender, ethnicity, learning styles, previous knowledge and
experience with content, strategies, and technology.
It is often said that no two individuals are exact duplicates; they differ from each other in some
way or the other. Hence the job of the psychologist is to identify and understand this
uniqueness in individuals. Such a similarity or difference between persons reveals individual
differences. Dissimilarity is principle of nature. No two persons are alike. All the individuals
differ from each other in many aspects. Children born of the same parents and even the-twins
are not alike.
1.4.4. Major Areas of Individual Difference
This material throws light upon the eleven major areas of individual difference.
The areas are:
1) Physical difference
2) Mental differences
3) Difference in intelligence
4) Difference in interests
5) Difference in attitudes
6) Difference in aptitude
7) Difference in achievement
8) Personality difference
9) Emotional differences
10) Social differences
11) Racial and cultural differences
These areas of differences are briefly discussed and described hereunder as follows:
1. Physical Differences: Man differs in his physical developments structurally and
functionally. These differences are seen in height, weight, size of the body, structure of
different parts of the body, color of hair, skin, physical strength and precision.
2. Mental Differences: Mental differences are noticed in the form of perception, concept
formation, and imagination, formation of imaging, memory, and attention.
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3. Difference in Intelligence: people are having characteristics such as genius, gifted,
superior, bright, averages, imbeciles and idiots on the basis of their intelligence level.
4. Difference in Interests: Interest differs from individual, to individual, man to woman,
adolescent to adult, society to society and culture to culture. Every man has his own
interest. Boys and girls greatly differ in their interests in choosing courses, books,
pictures, games and dresses.
5. Difference in Attitudes: As far as attitudes are concerned man differs from other. A
person has different attitude towards people, institution, customers and traditions,
religions, and social phenomena. A man tells/ thinks the laws of society as good and
bad depending on his attitude. Attitude forms in environment. Different persons have
different attitudes towards casteism, religion, regionalism, linguist, political parties and
administration.
6. Difference in Aptitude: An aptitude is any special ability that is possessed by an
individual. Men differs their aptitude related to musical, poetic, mechanical, artistic,
games and sports etc.
7. Difference in Achievement: Individual differs from others due to his achievement in
various fields of life related to academic, social, mental, emotional, moral, spiritual and
intellectual. This depends on previous experiences. Sometimes it is seen that one can
achieve much more than what is expected from them on the basis of their intelligence
level.
8. Personality Difference: Person differs from other person due to his personality traits,
temperaments, qualities and behavior. It is exhibited that some persons are extroverts
and some are introverts which are manifested by their activities.
9. Emotional Differences: In case of emotions one differs from other. Some persons lose
their emotions and some persons do not lose their emotions. It is observed that
someone controls his emotions and others get irritate very quickly. On the other hand
one has the ability to control the emotions with patience and tolerance. In some cases
listening to the serious facts one may start shading tears.
10. Social Differences: Some social factors like co-operation, sacrifices, leadership,
marriage ceremony, any social function one individual differs from others in
performing the social functions. Someone feel hesitate to mix with others where as
some are shy and fail to mix with strangers.
11. Racial and cultural Differences: It is seen that race and culture also bring about
differences among the individuals. It depends in geo-physical and geo-hydrological
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influences. So German people are brave and Russian people are tall. Besides this one
differs from others in case of food habits, dress habits, speech and in other social
traditions.
1.4.5. Causes of Individual Differences
Majority of the psychologists or educational scholars agree that even though there are many
causes of individual differences, there are few widely and commonly known causes of
individual differences in the issue of personality. They include heredity, environment, race,
nationality, sex, age, education, and etc.
1.4.6. Educational Implications of Individual Differences
Activity 6: Discuss in group about the areas of your difference and share it to the class briefly.
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Self-checking Exercises
Try and attempt the following self-checking exercises and evaluate your extent of
understanding and level of performance of the concepts and questions properly. This is
because it can help you to know your current status of understanding the concepts in
educational psychology.
1) Which scope of educational psychology is considered as the center of any educational
practice?
A. Teacher C. Learner
B. Evaluation of performance D. Learning situation
2) Which one of the following comprises all in human development?
A. Learning C. Maturation
B. Development D. Growth
3) Which aspect of human development focuses on developing the interaction of people
with each other in the process of teaching and learning?
A. Cognitive aspect C. Physical aspect
B. Social aspect D. Emotional aspect
4) Which of the following is the importance of educational psychology in TVET?
A. It aims at changing the knowledge, skills and attitude (behavior) of trainees.
B. It is useful to understand the factors affecting the training process.
C. It helps the TVET trainer to know the learner, interest and attitudes.
D. All of the above
5) Which theory of learning states that people construct their own understanding and
knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and by reflecting on those
experiences?
A. Cognitive learning theory C. Behavioral learning theory
B. Observational learning theory D. Constructive learning theory
6) Which type of intelligence reflects an ability to recognize and understand other
people’s moods, desires, motivations, and intentions?
A. Interpersonal intelligence C. Spatial intelligence
B. Intrapersonal intelligence D. Linguistic intelligence
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7) Which one of the following is an internal state or energy of a person to accomplish
certain goals?
A. Development C. Motivation
B. Learning D. Individual difference
8) Which one of the following is not an example of growth?
A. The height of Girum is 1.80cm. C. Etabez organ is matured for
sex.
B. Selam Weighs 67 kg. D. None of the above
9) Which one of the following is incorrect about characteristics of learning?
A. It is a continuous process C. It is a passive process
B. It is growth D. It is adjustment
10) Which theory of motivation states that human needs are represented using hierarchies
or levels?
A. Goal-setting theory C. Attribution theory
B. Humanistic theory D. Incentive theory
11) Practicing an instrument because you take pleasure in it is known as:
A. Relatedness C. Competence
B. Autonomy D. All of the above
12) Which of the following is false about educational psychology?
A. It assesses the learners' aptitudes and progress.
B. It focuses on understanding the processes of teaching and learning.
C. It helps in developing instructional methods and materials.
D. It is a theoretical branch of fundamental Psychology.
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LO7: Discuss the methods of scoring both objective and essay tests.
2.1. Meaning of Terms
The following terms commonly used are defined.
Test: It is a task or series of tasks used to obtain systematic observation presumed to be
representative of traits or attributes. It is presentation of a standard set of questions to
be answered by the students. It is an instrument or systematic procedure for measuring
sample of behaviors.
Measurement: Obtaining a numerical description of the degree to which an individual
possess a particular characteristics. It answers the question “how much”. It assigns
numbers to attributes or characteristics.
Assessment: Process of collecting, summarizing, and interpreting information
regarding student performance. It is a much more comprehensive and inclusive
concept than testing and measurement. It includes the full range of procedures
(observations, rating of performances, paper and pencil tests, etc) used to gain
information about students’ learning.
Evaluation: Systematic process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information
to determine the extent it which students are achieving instructional objectives. It is the
process of making judgment, assigning values or decided on the work of something
performed.
It is carried out in order to fix the students in the appropriate group or class. Students are
assigned to classes according to their subject combinations, such as Science, Technical, Arts,
Commercial etc. before this is done an examination will be carried out. This is in form of
pretest or aptitude test. It can help to find out the entry behavior of students before teaching.
This may help the teacher to adjust his lesson plan. e.g., tests like readiness tests, ability tests,
aptitude tests and achievement tests can be used.
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2. Formative Evaluation
It helps both the student and teacher to pinpoint areas where the student has failed to learn so
that this failure may be corrected. It provides a feedback to the teacher and the student and
thus estimating teaching success e.g. weekly tests, terminal examinations etc.
3. Diagnostic Evaluation
It is carried out most as a follow up evaluation to formative evaluation. It is applied to find out
the underlying cause of students persistent learning difficulties. These diagnostic tests can be
in the form of achievement tests, performance test, self-rating, interviews observations, etc.
4. Summative Evaluation
It is carried out at the end of the course of instruction. It determines the extent to which the
objectives have been achieved. It is also called a summarizing evaluation. It looks at the entire
course of instruction or program. It passes judgment on the teacher and students, the
curriculum and the entire system. It is used for certification.
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2.3. Principles of Assessment and Evaluation
Evaluation should be seen as an integrated process of determining the nature and extent of
students learning and development. It is not simply a collection of techniques. This process
will be most effective when the following principles of assessment and evaluation of learning
are taken into consideration. They are:
1) What is to be evaluated has priority in the evaluation process.
2) An evaluation technique should be selected in terms of its relevance to the
characteristics or performance to be assessed.
3) Comprehensive evaluation requires a variety of evaluation techniques.
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4) Proper use of evaluation techniques requires an awareness of their limitation, as all
tools are subjected to various types of measurement errors (sampling error and chance
factor).
5) Evaluation is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Educational objective is defined as an intended outcome of an instruction that has been stated
in general enough terms to encompass a set of specific learning outcomes. They are sets of
more detailed statements that specify the means by which the various goals of the course,
course units, and educational package will be met.
Well stating instructional objectives serve as a guide for teaching and testing/evaluation and
assessment. So, they are specifically useful to:
Help a teacher guide and monitor students learning.
Provide criteria for evaluating students’ outcomes.
Help in selecting or constructing assessment techniques.
Help in communicating parents, students, administrators or others on what is expected
of students.
Help in selecting appropriate instructional- Methods, materials, activities, contents and
the like.
Uses as a feedback on how many of the educational goals have been achieved.
Benjamin Bloom and a group of people involved in education came up with a list of levels.
Different levels of describing how you approach a problem are called taxonomy/classification
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in which each domain is classified into hierarchical levels. Therefore, the domains of
educational objectives include the following:
1. Cognitive domain
2. Affective domain
3. Psychomotor domain
Psychomotor domain: is concerned with motor skills, bodily movement, and physical
performance. This level deals with the skill of the students. It focuses on muscular activity like
driving a car, maintaining a machine, typing, speaking, jumping, ridding bicycle, drawing,
designing, dancing, etc. It has five levels such as imitation, manipulation, precision,
articulation, and naturalization.
Activity 8: Explain the role of each domain of educational objective to the improvement of
student knowledge and understanding as well as improvement of the education or instructional
curriculum.
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The following are the guidelines for stating educational or instructional objectives:
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3. State each general objective to include only one general learning outcome.
4. State each general objective at the proper level of generality; it should encompass
a readily definable domain of response.
Classroom tests are also known as teacher-made tests. They are prepared by the teacher for
measuring and evaluating students understanding and performance of the subject matter or
learning experiences.
There are different types of test forms used in the classroom. Based on scoring they can be
classified as:
1) Essay test/subjective
2) Objectives test
3) Norm-referenced
4) Criterion referenced test
But we are going to concentrate on the essay test and objectives test types. They are presented
hereunder as follows:
1) Objective Tests
Objective test has the following types. They are in indicated using a diagram as follows:
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True/ False
Matching
Selection Multiple
type choice
Arrangement
Objective
test Interpretive
Short
Answer
Supply type
Completion
In the supply test items, the examinees asked to give very brief answers to the questions. The
answers may be a word, a phrase, a number, a symbol or symbols etc. They include short
answer and completion. The supply type objective test item is used to measures simple
learning outcomes. It measures the ability to interpret diagrams, charts, graphs and pictorial
data. It uses to computational learning outcomes in mathematics, physics and sciences.
Short Answer: In this type of test item, the examinees are asked to give a brief answer to the
question asked such as words, phrases, numbers, symbol or symbols. Short answer questions
require a concise and focused response that may be factual, interpretive or a combination of
the two.
For example:
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Who is the first women president of Ethiopia?
Completion: In this type of test item, the examinees are asked to give a brief answer to an
incomplete statement or sentence or ccompletion item is a question in which students are
asked to answer a short question or finish an incomplete statement by filling in a blank with
the correct word, number, symbol, or short phrase.
For example:
In the selection type objective test items, the examinees are required to select or choose a
correct answer from the given alternatives or options. The selection type objective test items
include True/False, Matching, and Multiple Choice items. Each of the items is explained
hereunder as follows:
True/False Item (The Alternative Response Test Item): The alternative response test item
commonly called is the true-false test item. It is a declarative statement. It measures the
correctness of statements. It measures examinee ability to distinguish fact from opinion;
superstition from scientific belief. It measures the ability to recognize cause – and – effect
relationships. It is best used in situations in which there are only two possible alternatives such
as right or wrong, more or less, and so on. There are two options in T/F item:
True or false
Right or wrong
Correct or incorrect
Yes or no
Fact or opinion
Agree or disagree and so on.
For example:
Sigmund Freud stated that human behavior is governed by unconscious part of the mind. (T/F)
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Matching Item: Matching items require students to match a series of stems or premises to a
response or principle. They consist of a set of directions, a column of statements and a column
of responses. Matching questions are really a variation of the multiple choice format. They are
presented in groups as a series of stems or prompts that must be matched by the student to one
of a group of possible answer options. The format is particularly useful when the objective to
be measured involves association skills or the ability to recognize, categorize, and organize
information. Hence, matching has two columns:
1) Stimuli/Premises (Column A)
2) Answers/ Responses (Column B)
For example:
Match each type of defense mechanism listed under column "B" with the corresponding
description of defense mechanism under column "A".
Column A Column B
1. A husband regularly blames his wife for his own sexual problems A. Displacement
3. “May I remind you not to discuss such an issue with me” C. Rationalization
5. A woman whose father was cruel to her when she was little E. Projection
insists over and over that she loves him
6. The father, who wanted to be a doctor but failed, enjoys his son's F. Denial
success
G. Sublimation
H. Repression
I. Identification
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Multiple Choice Items: A multiple choice item consists of a problem, known as the stem, and
a list of suggested solutions, known as alternatives. The alternatives consist of one correct or
best alternative, which is the answer, and incorrect or inferior alternatives, known as
distractors. It is widely used and versatile. It measures simple and complex learning outcomes.
It has two major parts. It works for all subjects/courses and levels. It measures variety of
learning outcomes. For clarity of our understanding about multiple choice items, it is good to
see the following diagram presented:
Multiple Choice
Item
Stem Options/Choices
Distracters( Foil
Direct Answer , decoys,
mislead)
Incomplete Best
Correct
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For example:
In subjective test items, students can give answer freely and they can write and show steps
freely. That is why they are also called a free answer type items. Subjective assessments like
short- and long-answer questions can test whether or not students have a deep conceptual
understanding of subjects by asking students to explain their approach or thinking. An essay
test is a type of written examination that requires students to construct an essay response to
one or more questions. It assesses the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and present their
understanding of a subject matter through written communication.
Subjective type of test is known with the following characteristics which are indicated
hereunder as follows:
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Encourage creativity
Improve study habit
Discourage guessing
Hence, based on the degree of freedom, essay type test item can be divided into two types such
as extended response (non-restricted) type and non-extended response (restricted) type test
items.
Extended Response (Non-Restricted) Type Test Item: In this type of essay test item, the
students freely organize the answer, and follow their own method of answering. However,
scoring is unreliable even if there is freedom writing. This type of test is used to measure
higher cognitive levels such as:
1) Analysis
2) Synthesis
3) Evaluation
For example:
Non-Extended Response (Restricted) Type Test Item: In this type of essay test item, the
nature, length and organization of the responses are limited, and the questions are directional.
Relatively this test item limits the freedom of examinees. Relatively scoring is reliable and
manageable in this test item. It is used to measure lower cognitive levels such as:
1) Knowledge
2) Comprehension
3) Application
For example:
1) Describe the purpose of hundred percent technology copy within two paragraph?
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2) Explain five major reasons why workshop accident occurs?
3) Describe the three major sources of stress in the industry?
The following are few general guideline or tips to be considered in item writing or preparation.
When constructing items, teachers or item developers need to take into account the following
valuable considerations:
1. Keep the test blueprint in mind and in view as you are writing the test items. The
blueprint represents the master plan and should readily guide you in item writing and
review.
2. Generate more items than specified in the table of specification.
3. Use unambiguous language so that the demands of the item would be clearly
understood.
4. Endeavor to generate the items at the appropriate levels of difficulty as specified in the
table of specification.
5. Give enough time to allow an average student to complete the task.
6. Build in a good scoring guide at the point of writing the test items.
7. Have the test exercises examined and critiqued by one or more colleagues.
8. Review the items and select the best according to the laid down table of
specification/test blue print.
1. Clear and concise questions: As an instructor, you should write your questions
clearly and concisely and in an easily understandable way. If the question’s wording is
convoluted, students will waste more time dissecting the problem than answering it.
2. Avoid misleading questions: Questions should be straightforward and avoid
misleading language. The goal of examinations is to gauge your students’ level of
understanding. Remember that “tricky” questions have no place in a proper exam.
3. Avoid new language: Avoid using any new terms or language when writing short
answer questions. All wording used in your examination should be familiar to your
students to avoid confusion.
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4. Memory triggers: Short answer questions should include memory triggers or
recognizable language to help students jog their memory. This technique will be
beneficial to students who suffer from exam anxiety or tend to fail under pressure.
5. Useful prompts: When designing your short answer questions, include helpful writing
prompts. Using open-ended questions will allow students to provide more contexts
with their answers and aid in the evaluation process. Prompts should also be within the
question itself, including writing suggestions or language that the student will
recognize as writing prompt.
6. Reading comprehension: Reading comprehension questions are the bread and butter
of examinations. Be sure to include some reading comprehension short answer
questions in your exam to encourage students to absorb the course material. Being able
to read and relay information is an essential skill for both professional and personal
situations.
7. Room for explanation: Give students an opening to explain by writing “Please
explain” after the question. Like the useful prompts tip, leaving room for students to
demonstrate their understanding gives instructors a look at their student’s development.
Any student can make an educated guess and write down a few words, but asking them
to break down their answer will provide a better impression of what they’ve learned.
8. Proper page real estate: In addition to creating an opening for an explanation after
short answer questions, make sure you also provide enough physical space. There’s
nothing worse than answering a short answer question and running out of lines. Be sure
to give each short answer question an appropriate amount of page real estate.
Alternatively, you can indicate how long you’d like your students’ answers to be
within the short answer question.
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1) Do not give a (inadvertently) in the body of the question.
2) Avoid using the words “always”, “never”, “and often” and other that tends to be either
always true or always false.
3) Avoid sentences as these tend to be “true”. Keep sentences short.
4) Avoid trick statements with some minor word or spelling anomaly, misplaced phrases,
etc.
5) Avoid from reference materials or textbooks.
6) Avoid or give-away qualifiers.
7) Avoid a grossly of either true or false statements or even pattern in the occurrence of
true and false statements.
1) Two-part directions: Your clear directions at the start of each question need two parts:
(1) how to make the match and (2) the basis for matching the response with the
premise. You can also include whether items can be re-used, but often pre-built
templates don’t allow for this.
2) Parallel content: Within one matching test item, use a common approach, such as all
terms and definitions or all principles and the scenarios to which they apply.
3) Plausible answers: All responses in Column B should be plausible answers to the
premises in Column A. Otherwise; the test loses some of its reliability because some
answers will be “give-aways”.
4) Clueless: Ensure your premises don’t include hints through grammar (like implying the
answer must be plural) or hints from word choice (like using the term itself in a
definition).
5) Unequal responses: In an ideal world, you should present more responses than
premises, so the remaining responses don’t work as hints to the correct answer. This is
not often possible when using a template.
6) Limited premises: Due to the capacity limitations of working memory, avoid a long list
of premises in the first column. A number that I’ve come across is to keep the list down
to six items. Even less might be better, depending on the characteristics of your
audience.
7) One correct answer: Every premise should have only one correct response. Obvious,
but triple-check to make sure each response can only work for one premise.
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Guidelines for Constructing Multiple Choice Items
Activity 9: Conduct assessment about how teachers are preparing and administering both
objective and essay type test items. Use the practical experiences of teachers and also check or
refer the previous sample exams prepared and administered to the students.
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Authentic Assessment
Authentic assessment measures the ability of students to demonstrate practical skills and
concepts; assessing practical performance, process and product; evaluate students' abilities in
'real-world' contexts; it assesses students’ skills on authentic tasks and projects activities; and
it does not encourage rote learning and passive test-taking.
Authentic assessment focuses on students' analytical skills, ability to integrate, creativity, work
collaboratively, written and oral expression skills. It values the learning process as much as the
finished product and it assesses non-cognitive performances such as interests, skills, physical
activities, laboratory experiments, attitudes, project activities, and workshop products and the
like.
Performance assessment
Outcome based assessment
Product assessment
Real life setting assessment
Some of the major tools we can employ in authentic assessment are as follows:
Activity 10: Do you think authentic assessment is mostly used in teaching and learning
process in schools, colleges and universities. Discuss with evidence.
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Planning Classroom Test and Test Development
Planning classroom test comprises development of quality question demands to apply test
preparation principles. No one can be guaranteed to produce quality question in the absence of
test preparation principles and guidelines. Besides, planning for test development is the
process of applying test blue print to produce quality questions.
Hence, planning is helpful for validity, reliability and usability of question development; helps
to ensure pre-specified instructional objectives and subject matter (content); and leads to the
preparation of table of specification.
1. Do not appropriately consider all levels of learning outcomes. Example, items fall
within recalling and simple facts.
2. Not valid: They fail to measure what they are supposed to measure. Validity is an
instrument that measures what it is supposed to measure.
3. Unrepresentative of the topics. Do not cover comprehensively all the entire topics
taught and are not comprehensive.
4. Lack of clarity and wordiness. Example, ambiguous, not precise, not clear and
carelessly worded.
5. Fail to do item analysis.
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6. Doing item discrimination, difficulty level, effectiveness of distracters and the like.
Therefore, while planning a classroom test, it is advisable to consider the following basic
guidelines or considerations in planning a classroom test. Hence, those considerations are
indicated as follows:
1. Purpose identification
2. State instructional objectives and content
3. Determine relative emphasis to be given to each learning outcome
4. Select appropriate item formats (objective or subjective type)
5. Develop test blue print or Table specification
6. Prepare test items/questions
7. Deciding scoring pattern and the way of interpretation
8. Deciding the length and duration of the test
9. Assembling test items and preparing direction
10. Administer the test
In order to construct or prepare test items, the following general principles should be properly
considered by the test developer. They are:
1) Make the instructions for each type of question simple and brief.
2) Use simple and clear language in the questions.
3) Write items that require specific understanding or ability developed in that subject.
4) Do not suggest the answer to one question in the body of another question. This makes
the test less useful, as the test-wise student will have an advantage.
Administering is the process of invigilating an exam under good or necessary conditions in test
administration such as physical conditions (comfortable as possible), and psychological
readiness (relaxed as possible). I test administration, do the following:
Scoring Tests
Both essay and objective tests are scored by the teacher differently. Let us see them one by one
as follows:
Scoring essay tests is difficult since they are susceptible to subjectivity. There are two
common methods of scoring essay questions. These are the point or analytic method of scoring
and the global/holistic rating method of scoring essay items or tests.
1) The Point or Analytic Method: In this method each answer is compared with already
prepared ideal marking scheme (scoring key) and marks are assigned according to the
adequacy of the answer. This method is generally used satisfactorily to score Restricted
Response Questions. It is desirable to rate each aspect of the item separately and this
provides greater objectivity.
2) The Global/Holistic Rating Method: In this method the examiner first sorts the
response into categories of varying quality based on his/her general or global
impression on reading the response. The standard of quality helps to establish a relative
scale, which forms the basis for ranking responses from those with the poorest quality
response to those that have the highest quality response. Usually between five and ten
categories are used with the rating method with each of the piles representing the
degree of quality and determines the credit to be assigned. For example, where five
categories are used, and the responses are awarded five letter grades: A, B, C, D & E.
The responses are sorted into five categories: A: quality, B: quality, C: quality D:
quality and E: quality. There is usually the need to re-read the responses and to re-
classify the misclassified ones. This method can be used for the extended response
questions where relative judgments are made. Using this method requires a lot of skill
and time in determining the standard response for each quality category. It is desirable
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to rate each characteristic separately. This provides for greater objectivity and increases
the diagnostic value of the results.
Therefore, when scoring essay questions, the scorers need to consider the following
procedures for scoring essay questions:
Prepare the marking scheme/ideal answer/outline- constructing the test items.
Indicate how marks are to be awarded for each section of the expected response.
Use the scoring method (analytic or global) that is most appropriate for the test item.
Decide how to handle irrelevant factors: Include legibility of handwriting, spelling,
sentence structure, punctuation and neatness.
Score only one item in all the scripts at a time, to control the “halo” effect in scoring.
Evaluate the marking scheme (scoring key) before actual scoring by scoring a random
sample of examinees actual responses.
Make comments during the scoring of each essay item. These comments act as
feedback to examinees and a source of remediation to both examinees and examiner.
Evaluate the answers to responses anonymously without knowledge of the examinee
whose script you are scoring. This helps in controlling bias in scoring the essay
questions.
Various techniques are used to speed up the scoring of objective tests. There are three methods
of scoring objective tests. They are:
1) Manual Scoring: Manual scoring is done by simply comparing the examinees answer
with the marking key. Use hand to score and commonly used method of scoring.
2) Stencil Scoring: When separate answer sheets are used by examinees for recording
their answers, prepared by pending holes on a blank answer sheet. Scoring is then done
by laying the stencil over each answer sheet and the number of answer checks
appearing through the holes is counted.
3) Machine Scoring: Usually for a large number of examinees. The answers are normally
shaded at the appropriate places assigned to the various items. These special answer
sheets are then machine scored with computers and other possible scoring devices.
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Self-checking Exercises
Try and attempt the following self-checking exercises and evaluate your extent of
understanding and level of performance of the concepts and questions properly. This is
because it can help you to know your current status of understanding the concepts in
assessment and evaluation of student learning.
1) Which one of the following is used to determine the extent it which students are
achieving instructional objectives?
A. Assessment C. Test
B. Evaluation D. Measurement
2) Which type of evaluation is used to fix students in a group?
A. Summative evaluation C. Placement evaluation
B. Formative evaluation D. Diagnostic evaluation
3) Which one of the following is the purpose of assessment and evaluation of student
learning?
A. Guidance and counseling C. Administrative
B. Instructional D. All of the above E. None
4) Which of the following is NOT the importance of stating instructional objectives?
A. Help in selecting or constructing assessment techniques.
B. Help a teacher guide and monitor students learning.
C. Help in selecting inappropriate instructional methods, materials, etc.
D. Provide criteria for evaluating students’ outcomes.
5) Which one of the following is known as knowledge based domain of instructional
objective?
A. Psychomotor domain C. Cognitive domain
B. Affective domain D. All of the above
6) Which one of the following is different from the others?
A. Completion item C. Matching item
B. Multiple choice item D. True/False item
7) Which one of the following is NOT included under the category of observation and
observation devices?
A. Running records C. Rubric
B. Rating scales D. Checklist
8) Which one of the following is NOT the pit-fall of teacher-made tests?
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A. Unrepresentative of the topics C. Lack of clarity and wordiness
B. Measure what it is supposed to measure D. Fail to do item analysis
9) Which objective scoring method is used for a large number of testees?
A. Stencil Scoring C. Manual Scoring
B. Machine Scoring D. All of the above
References
Dececeo, J.P. &Crawford, W.R. Psychology of Learning and Instruction, Prentice Hall.
Lahey RB. Graham JE & others: An Introduction to Educational Psychology, 6th edition, Tata
McGraw Hill Publ
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Wininger, S.R. & Norman, A. D. (2005). Teacher candidates' exposure to formative
assessment in educational psychology textbooks: A content analysis. Educational
Assessment 10(1). 19-37.
Conclusion
The Vocational Pedagogy module is designed to prepare TVET teacher graduates for
effective vocational teaching through comprehensive competency assessment and
learning outcome achievement. Implementation of the national exit examination will
ensure quality assurance and the production of skilled vocational teachers/trainers
aligned with industry demands.
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