Reflective vs Effective Teaching in Grade 1 Maths: Applying Marzano’s Theory
QUESTION 1: [25]
- Compare and contrast the definitions of reflective and effective teaching.
Examples from the topic Addition in Mathematics in Grade 1 must follow each definition. The table below will assist you in structuring your answer. (10)
| Type of teaching | Definitions | Similarities and differences | Examples of the topic additions in Grade 1 |
| Reflective | (2) | (2) | (1) |
| Effective | (2) | (2) | (1) |
1.2:
You are the Head of Department in the Foundation Phase at your school. You became aware that some of the teachers in your Phase struggle to select effective teaching strategies to improve learners’ achievements.
You decide to conduct a workshop with a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Robert Marzano’s theory of effective teaching.’
- On your first slide of the PowerPoint presentation, give some background information on who Marzano is. (2)
- In your second slide, list SIX (6) characteristics of Marzano’s framework for effective teaching that you will share with the teachers during the workshop. (6)
- In your third slide, discuss the relevance of Marzano’s theory for the Foundation Phase with the teachers in the workshop. (2)
Study the image below and answer the questions

- What kind of teaching is taking place in the case study above? (1)
- Which principles can you apply to ensure this teaching is successful? (4)
QUESTION 2: [25]
- Study the cartoon below. What type of teaching model is occurring, as illustrated in the cartoon? (1)

- Briefly explain the type of teaching model as illustrated in the cartoon. (1)
- In place of approaches, as seen in the illustration above, supporters of active learning argue that learning is an active process rooted in a “constructivist” philosophy.
Read the active learning theories for young learners in Unit 2 of your learning guide. Explain the theory of FIVE (5) proponents of constructivist theory. (20)
- Discuss THREE (3) strategies for active learning. (6÷2) (3)
QUESTION 3: [25]
- Use the scenario of a Grade 3 classroom given below and design a Life
Skills lesson plan. Use the lesson template provided. (12)
Busi is a Grade 3 teacher. The school is in a crime-ridden remote area. Many learners in her class are traumatised due to abuse, poverty, and violence. The group’s motivation or interest in learning is sometimes low, and Busi must work very hard to change their attitudes toward school. Their poor prior achievements tend to influence their self-esteem, so she must first try to change their perception of why learning is important before starting any lesson. Tuelo is a highly motivated teacher who believes that she can make a difference in their lives by presenting a good lesson.
- Articulate your understanding of Montessori’s idea of what makes up the “whole-child”. (4)
- Explain and provide examples from the Foundation Phase of Piaget’s FOUR
(4) stages of cognitive development. (8÷2) (4)
- Provide a summary of the Code of Professional Ethics of the South African Council for Educators. (4)
QUESTION 4: [25]
- Teachers need to acquire skills that include more than just maintaining discipline and managing learner behaviour in their day-to day teaching and learning responsibilities.
Reflect on the statement above and compose a short paragraph on the importance of recording learner misbehaviour. (4)
- Discuss the following TWO (2) approaches to assessment: Assessment of learning and assessment for learning. (4)
- Discuss the FOUR (4) different types of assessment and give examples of how they can be used with learners in Grade 1 at the beginning of the year.
(8÷2) (4)
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (1943) is a theory that can be applied in the field of education to help educators understand the different needs that students have and how to meet them best.
Given the above, draw, complete, and evaluate Maslow’s hierarchy of needs how it applies to teaching. (8÷2) (4)
- What is the most valuable aspect of ‘Teaching in the Foundation Phase’ and give a reason. (2)
Expert Answers on Above Questions on Curriculum
Reflective and Effective Teaching Comparison
Both reflective and effective teaching are important concepts, and they are aimed at improving the overall learning opportunities available to students. The concept of reflective teaching indicates that it is the process whereby teachers analyse their own teaching methods in order to improve practice. It is a type of self assessment with the objective of making adjustments to meet out learner needs. Contrary to this, effective teaching is the process that is aimed at delivering quality content to help the learner understand the concepts in a better way and achieve improvement.
The similarity between both these concepts indicates that they both are aimed at improving teaching and learning, and require intentional planning. However the difference between them is the approach required, as the reflective teaching is introspective whereas effective teaching focuses more on measurable results.
| Disclaimer: This answer is a model for study and reference purposes only. Please do not submit it as your own work. |
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