A teacher designs cooperative learning activities to build peer interaction and emotional safety. This approach is grounded in: a. Constructivism b. Behaviorism c. Social-psychological theory d. Cognitivism
Answer (1)
The approach described in the question is grounded in c. Social-psychological theory .
Let's break down why this is the correct answer:
Constructivism : This theory emphasizes how individuals construct knowledge through experiences and interactions with their environment. While cooperative learning can be a technique within constructivist classrooms, the emphasis on peer interaction and emotional safety leans more towards social and psychological aspects rather than just knowledge construction.
Behaviorism : This focuses on observable behaviors and how they're influenced by stimuli. Techniques like reinforcement and punishment are key. The concept of emotional safety and peer interaction does not directly align with behaviorism's principles.
Social-psychological theory : This focuses on how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Cooperative learning activities that promote peer interaction and create emotional safety are aligned with the social-psychological aspects of learning. These activities facilitate positive social interactions and create an emotionally supportive environment, which is at the heart of social psychology.
Cognitivism : This theory deals with internal processes like thinking and understanding. While it considers how information is processed by the brain, emotional safety and peer interactions are not its primary focus.
In summary, when a teacher focuses on building peer interaction and ensuring emotional safety, they are operating within the realms of social-psychological theory, which looks at the social dynamics and emotional aspects of learning and interaction.
