Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

What cognitive development approach does Phyllis Johnson promote by having students list likes about themselves?

1. Demonstrating their ability to write personal narratives

2. Practicing grammar and sentence structure

3. Activating prior knowledge to understand new concepts

4. Developing positive self-esteem through asset identification

The correct answer is: Activating prior knowledge to understand new concepts

The cognitive development approach that Phyllis Johnson promotes by having students list likes about themselves aligns closely with developing positive self-esteem through asset identification. This activity encourages students to reflect on their strengths and qualities, which aids in building a positive self-image. When students identify and articulate what they like about themselves, they are engaging in a process that reinforces their self-worth and individuality. This self-reflection supports their emotional and social development, fostering a mindset where they value themselves, and by extension, may feel more confident in expressing their ideas and participating in classroom activities. The other approaches mentioned, such as writing personal narratives or practicing grammar and sentence structure, while valuable, do not directly connect to the self-reflection and asset identification aspect of the activity. Similarly, although activating prior knowledge is crucial in learning, the specific task of listing personal likes is more focused on self-esteem and personal identity rather than directly making connections to new academic concepts.