The major areas of development include biological, cognitive and social and emotional development. Both of these psychologists were concerned with the study of understanding the area of cognitive development specifically in children and were considered to be constructivists. Constructivism is the theory in which “learners actively construct their own knowledge based upon the things they know now and have known in the past” (TFL resources, 2006). This essay will seek to compare and contrast the theories of psychologists Piaget and Vygotsky and will critically look at their theories to judge which aspects are appropriate for the long term. Jean Piaget focused his research on studying children and observing their thought processes.
Piaget’s theory of learning is sometimes referred to as a constructivist approach because he suggested that children constructed or built their thoughts according to their experiences of the world around them. Piaget used the term ‘schema’ to refer to a child’s conclusions or thoughts. He felt that learning was an ongoing process, with children needing to adapt. Piaget’s belief that children develop schemas based on their direct experiences can help us to understand why young children’s thinking is sometimes different from ours. Piaget also suggested that, as children develop so does their thinking.
Piaget's Theory According to Piaget, children in the earliest stages of life, from birth to 2 years, exist in a sensory-motor stage, where they learn to move and operate their bodies as well as begin to understand simple symbols. In this early stage, children are curious about their environment and begin to learn how to interpret it in sensible ways. The next stage is called preoperational thought and lasts from the ages of 2 until 7. In this stage, children develop stable concepts, mental reasoning and imagination. What is distinct and important about Piaget's views is that he considered imagination and play to be crucial to enable every child to develop his own sense of self and to foster healthy learning habits.
Considering the work of key pioneers and current experts with links to child development theory. There are many theories about how children learn and develop. This area of study is called developmental psychology which covers subjects such as cognitive, language and emotional development. The research methods are based heavily on the on going assessments carried out by observing children over a period of time. Assessment is part of the process of understanding what children know, understand and can do so that future teaching steps can be appropriately planned.
Playing and learning in children’s education E1/A In (appendices 1), the Nursery World article written by Fisher. J (2012) talks about how the role of the practitioner should plan for a balance between adult –led learning and child –led learning. This means that the adult needs to observe children closely to see how they are developing. When the practitioner stands back during child-led play, they can gain lots of information about a child, how they use their environments and resources. This helps to meet their learning needs if the practitioner then uses this information to plan the next steps.
TECA 1354 QTA Discussion: Metacognition Development How Can Teachers assist children in the development of their Metacognitive skills? Answer: Teachers at every developmental stage provide learning activities that focus on study strategies, problem-solving, and critical thinking/decision-making skills. Chapter 7 5th Edition 1. How well does the author define Metacognition and Cognitive Strategies? (Describe these concepts in your own words to earn 1 grade point) Author defines metacognition an cognitive strategies as strategies that are important and needed in order for a child to understand how their mind works and also how they can take control of it 2.
Theories of development. Jean Piaget (1896 – 1980) – Cognitive Piaget's theory was that children construct or build up their thoughts according to their experiences of the world around them. The child's conclusions or thoughts are known as 'schema' (building blocks of knowledge). The child will adapt their schema when new information is received. As a child develops, so does their thinking.
Early childhood is a time of remarkable cognitive development. Cognitive abilities associated with memory, reasoning, problem-solving and thinking continue to emerge throughout childhood. Children during this stage are learning to figure out the world around them. It is hard not to mention the work of psychologist Jean Piaget, One of the key concepts in Piaget's theory is the use of
His ‘cognitive developmental theory’ suggests 4 major areas of development (sensorimeter, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational). Piaget’s theories allow us to take the ideas of ‘schema’ into practice and use it to effectively plan for the development of a child. using these schemas we can assess where and how a child is currently learning and plan activities and observations to help them develop to the next stage. Piaget was the most influential theorist of the 70s and 80s; he dominated the study of child development. • Albert Bandura (social learning): - Claimed that humans are cognitive beings (concerned with acquiring knowledge).
This can affect planning as practitioners may have to think and plan activities for children where there is a possibility that positive and negative reinforcements can be put into action in the setting, for example; praising the child when they have achieved and giving children time outs think about what they have done ‘Skinner divided the consequences of actions into three groups; Positive reinforcers, negative reinforcers and punishments’ (Tassoni, P, et al, 2007: 84). Albert Bandura’s social learning theory states that he believed children’s; parents, family, friends and teachers should be powerful role models and figures for children to imitate, for example; behaving in a way that promotes acceptable behaviour in the setting. This can affect the planning and provision of learning opportunities for children in a setting as practitioners will have to plan activities and experiences for children that will enable them and will encourage them to socialise and communicate with other children and staff ‘In social learning theory Albert Bandura (1977) states behaviour is learned from the environment through the process of observational