Question

Older elementary school children in __________ classrooms have a slight edge in achievement test scores, but children in __________ classrooms show gains in critical thinking and have more positive attitudes toward school.

Answer 1

Traditional and Constructivist are the correct answers, respectively.

Traditional classrooms are teacher-centered, focusing on the basic skills , and having books as the main resource. Constructivist classrooms are learner-centered, focusing on the big concepts, and having a variety of different sources of materials. Older elementary students who study in constructivist classrooms usually display extra gains in critical thinking, are known to be more socially and morally mature, and have more positive attitudes toward school. On the other hand, those who study in traditional classrooms have a slight advantage in test scores achievement.