FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following concepts involves the self-talk learners use to monitor their progress?

1. Scaffolding

2. Private speech

3. Behaviorism

4. Consequence

The correct answer is: Private speech

The concept of private speech refers to the self-talk that individuals engage in to guide their own thinking and behavior, particularly during challenging tasks. This phenomenon is often observed in children but is relevant to learners of all ages. Through private speech, learners can effectively monitor their progress, solve problems, and make decisions. It serves as a cognitive tool that enables them to reflect on their actions and strategies, promoting self-regulation and deeper understanding. In the context of learning, private speech can help students articulate their thought processes, leading to greater awareness of their learning strategies and allowing them to adjust their approach as necessary. For instance, a student might talk themselves through a math problem, verbally breaking down the steps needed to find the solution while also assessing their own understanding as they proceed. The other concepts listed relate to different aspects of learning. Scaffolding involves providing support to help learners achieve independence; behaviorism focuses on the role of external stimuli and reinforcements in shaping behavior; and consequence refers to the outcomes that follow behavior in operant conditioning. While these concepts are important in their own right, they do not specifically address the internal self-monitoring aspect that is captured by private speech.