The for the Comp. Exams

Here are some notes that are intended to be a general guide to help study for the Comprehensive Exams (doctoral program).

There are several important points to remember about the exam:
#1
Don't PANIC!

#2
You only have approximately an hour each to write an answer to  the 4 questions.  This represents approximately 3 pages of single-spaced typing.  So PRACTICE writing a short, coherent answer for each question, and FOCUS only on a few, coherent "talking points."

#3
There are only 4 areas of content on the Part A exam.  The following is a list of those areas, and -- for each area -- the MOST COMMON questions asked about those content areas.  You should therefore be sure to know how to give a short, focused answer to the following questions in each area.

Remember -- the point of the LEGO analogy is to "use building blocks!"
"The idea is not to study HARDER, but to study SMARTER !!"

updated 1/31/03
Learning Theory:  (Revised 10/15/99)
 

       1.  Define and describe the four camps of learning theory:

• Behaviorism (Skinner and Watson)
• Keith's notes on behaviorism
• Lynda's notes on behavioral theory (from Svinicki's Psych of Human Learning class)
• Lynda's notes on operant conditioning
• Lynda's notes on operant conditioning in education
• Social Learning Theory (Bandura), and (later) Cognitivism (Bruner & Ausabel)
• Constructivism
• Social Constructivism (Vygotsky)

For each one, identify one or two specific theorists -- and/or researchers --  and their specific contributions.
-----------------------
For each, explain:

• basic assumptions made
• what learning is
• the learning process (or how each one's model of learning works, as in its operating model)
• operation of specific principles of learning, such as
• the role of prior knowledge
• the role of the teacher and the role of the learner
• retention of learning (and forgetting)
• transfer or generalization of learning
• how the theory applies to classroom use  (Give general examples; also give examples as applied to your specific area of study)

2) Compare and contrast the four camps.

• Where do their theories about learning overlap (or not overlap)?
• How do they agree, complement each other, or disagree?
• What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each?

3) Using these theories, how would you develop instructional programs?

(i.e., What kinds of learning strategies are recommended by each?  Or, given a successful learning situation or program, what kinds of strategies from which theories are being used?)

4) Explain your understanding of Instructional Design (Dick & Carey, as well as West and Farrell) and its applied practice.

5) Explain how these theories apply to instructional technology (telelearning, telementoring, etc.).

Research:
 
 

1. Basic information about the paradigms -- how each one works and how each one sees the task of research
2. Compare/Contrast qualitative vs quantitative (Paradigms, Perspectives, Strategies, Methods) 
3. Design a study (how to gather data, analyze data in a quantitative or qualitative study)
4. The role of evaluation in each paradigm (e.g., validity, quality of research, applicability of findings to larger contexts, etc.)

      1.  Philosophies (Compare/contrast & apply to curriculum)

• Behaviorism
• Progressivism
• Essentialism
• Perennialism
• Reconstructionism

• Equity & Access
• Diversity
• Gender
• Assessment
• Cooperative Learning
• Social Status
• At Risk Learning

       1. Trilemma (see graphic) (see Victoria de la Garza's descriptive chart)
       2. Movements (historical background)

Education for the Elite

Colonial America

Revolutionary War

Common School Movement

Urbanization, industrialization

Vocational Education and the High School

Desegregation

Back to Basics

• Dewey  [ a short -- or detailed -- synopsis of Education and Experience (1938) ]
• Tyler (see the "Trilimma" chart)
• Gagne
• Vygotsky
• Piaget
• Skinner
• Schwab

         1. Dick & Carey vs Cognitive Models
         2. Instructional Strategies
         3. Distance Learning (feedback & assessment; collaborative & active learning)
         4. Multimedia Issues (issues, strategies)
         5. Internet (Telementoring, Activity Structures)

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Disclaimer:
NOTE:  This site is in no way connected to the real Lego company, whose website can be found at http://www.lego.com.  The name Lego is a trademarked name.   The graphics on this site have been borrowed from a variety of unofficial Lego-fan Web sites.  The use of the name Lego on this page is meant in a humorous, but entirely complimentary manner -- since Legos are the "building blocks" our doctoral study group immediately thought of when we realized that we would benefit from using a "Lego" kind of approach while studying the topics for Part A of the Comprehensive Exams.  Also, please note: No actual Legos were harmed in the making of this site.