FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which theory outlines three features of learning, such as mechanics of intelligence and contextual experiences?

1. Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

2. Vygotsky's Social Development Theory

3. Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

4. Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

The correct answer is: Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence is the correct response, as it proposes a comprehensive understanding of intelligence by dividing it into three key components: analytical, creative, and practical intelligence. This framework emphasizes the mechanics of intelligence—the ability to analyze, evaluate, and compare information—and contextual experiences, highlighting how individuals adapt their thinking and behavior based on their surroundings and real-world situations. Sternberg's theory illustrates that intelligence is not solely about cognitive capabilities but also about how knowledge is applied in everyday life and how innovative thinking can solve problems. The practicality of this theory allows for a more nuanced view of learning by acknowledging that individuals learn and demonstrate intelligence in diverse ways depending on their life experiences and environments. In contrast, Gardner's Multiple Intelligences focuses on various distinct types of intelligences (such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, and musical) that people possess, yet does not specifically emphasize the mechanics and contextual aspects in the same way. Vygotsky's Social Development Theory centers on the influence of social interaction and culture on cognitive development rather than outlining specific features of learning. Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory describes stages of cognitive growth in children, focusing more on the evolution of intelligence over time than on the experiential and contextual elements