Social and Moral Development (Ch. 4) Analysis Questions:

1. From a social development standpoint, how might we explain Laura's preoccupation with her appearance? In particular, consider this statement by Laura: "I don't want people to think I'm a geek!" Include information from Erikson's theory and social development in general in your response.
A. She is self centered, she thinks everyone is always paying attention to her. It is Identity Vs Role Confusion. She doesnt know exactly what she wants.

2. In suggesting that Laura join the debating class, Ms. Watkins is hoping to pique an interest in classroom subject matter by capitalizing on Laura's desire to be the center of attention. What two other strategies might the school faculty use to motivate students who seem to be more interested in social matters than in academic pursuits?
A. Put them in charge of a dance or some type of activity that they need to coordinate. Have some club type activities.

3. From the perspective of Kohlberg's theory, in which stage of moral development is Laura? Justify your response. How might Mr. Marcalescu help Laura to advance her moral reasoning?
A. She is in level 2 (Individualism and Exchange). She only does the thing that will benefit her.
A. Have her look up pollution created by gas vs other types of air pollutions out there. Then have her look at the difference between how they are used to contribute to the pollution. Then she might be able to support her answers better, or she might understand the other side and change her argument.

4. In what ways might a debating class contribute to students' cognitive, linguistic, social, and moral development?
A. Many ways, it will make them reserch their arguments, understand the language they are going to use, look at all the social reasons for debate and create stronger morals or team values, morally they will understand the pros and cons of both sides. Which all of this will make them more well rounded students.

Cognitive Development (Ch. 3) Analysis Questions:

1. From the perspective of Piaget's theory, in which stage of cognitive development is Laura? Justify your response.
A. Laura is in the formal operational stage, because she is showing logical systematic thinking.

2. How is Laura's reasoning affected by her knowledge base--that is, by what she does and doesn't know about pollution? Use terminology from Ch. 3 in your response.

A. Her thought process is very egocentric because she is only considering her own perspective, she is not open to any new ideas.

3. By posing a series of questions, Mr. Marculescu continually challenges Laura to reconsider her thinking about the pollution problem. What are potential benefits of this strategy? Use terminology from Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories in your response.
A. It is making he ruse self talk and inner speech. This process is also using a lot of scaffolding, the teacher is trying to support answers and make her do the same. Also assimilation is taking place in Lauras discussion, because she is trying to make sense of her current schemas.

4. How does this scenario represent Piaget's and Vygotsky's conceptions of play?
A. Because she is using objects that are available to support her argument.