...Cognitive Development: Comparing the Main Ideas of Piaget and Vygotsky Valerie Smith Cognitive Development: Comparing the Main Ideas of Piaget and Vygotsky The benefits of understanding cognitive development are many and varied, and yet there is still much that we do not know. Understanding the main theories that already exist can help in furthering our knowledge, and will spark new ideas for furthering the study of cognitive development. In this paper, I will compare the sociocultural view of Lev Vygotsky with Jean Piaget’s cognitive developmental view. Before discussing how these theorists differ, it is helpful to understand the main points of their theories. Sigelman & Rider (2011) state that Vygotsky believed that the cognitive growth of a child occurs strictly in a sociocultural context and would change and grow based on the child’s social interactions. He believed that cultural and social experiences affected not only what we think, but how we think. Piaget, on the other hand, would have said that children are actively creating their own knowledge through both their experiences and “inborn intellectual functions, which he called the organization and adaptation.” (Sigelman & Rider, 2011) One of the main questions of any discussion on development would revolve around whether or not development is universally experienced in the same way by all persons, or if development is context-specific (in other words, does our environment affect how we develop, grow...
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...and the Developing Child Piaget VS Vygotsky 1/22/2013 In 1896 there were two well-known psychologists born, Jean Piaget which he was from Switzerland and the other Lev Vygotsky was from Russia. Both Piaget and Vygotsky had similar and differences on how they viewed their theories. Each found a common ground, where both theorists offered major contributions to the areas of developmental psychology as it applies to education. Throughout the reading we will compare the similarities and differences of both highly respected psychologist. Piaget and Vygotsky were similar in their views in certain ways. What they most had in common was a shared interest in the study of cognitive development of children. How they viewed the importance of varying factors is where they differed. Piaget viewed cognitive development primarily from biological perspective. He believed that the two major principles operating in intellectual growth and development are adaptation and organization. Piaget believed that humans desire a state of cognitive balance or equilibration. When the child experiences cognitive conflict (a discrepancy between what the child believes the state of the world to be and what s/he is experiencing) adaptation is achieved through adjustment or accommodation. Organization refers to the mind's natural tendency to organize information into related, connected structures. On the hand, Vygotsky, however, believed that...
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...Piaget Versus Vygotsky Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) proposed the classical constructivist theories of cognitive development. Although often compared, the concepts differ significantly. Indeed, the purpose of this essay is to argue that Piagetian theory marginalizes the social contribution to intellectual development and that, consequently, the Vygotskian approach offers a more accurate and comprehensive analysis. This paper will begin with an explanation of the theories of cognitive development propounded by Piaget and Vygotsky followed by a definition of constructivist and social constructivist theory. The superiority of Vygotsky’s theory will be established via a critical examination of Piaget’s stages of intellectual development, his perspective on language acquisition, and the methodology of his classic tests. Piaget maintained that cognitive development is a continuous progression of assimilation and accommodation and that these complementary processes lead to adaptation. Knowledge is constructed progressively via a sequence of behaviours or mental operations, what Piaget termed schemas. Piaget proposed that children develop mental representations of the world based on physical or mental actions, which they execute on the environment. These initially reflex behaviours are repeated while intrinsic motivation encourages the child to apply schemas to different situations. Assimilation occurs when the new experience is incorporated into an existing...
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...and growth can be described from many theoretical points of view. Teachers that can understand and form an opinion about the various theories continuously create new environments, and can plan activities, that manage behaviors in ways that will nurture children according to their ways. Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky each developed theories of child development and can be used in a educational setting. Jean Piaget, a Swiss epistemologist, was the most prominent in the field of cognitive psychology in his time and the most important contributor to the constructivist education theory. His theory of cognitive development was based on the notion that cognitive abilities, one’s ability to think, are developed as individuals mature physiologically and have opportunities to interact with their environment. Vygotsky was a psychologist born in Russia in 1896. Vygotsky was most famous for his theory of sociocultural development and believed that development occurs primarily through interaction with one's culture. Both theorists offered major contributions to the areas of developmental psychology as it applies to education. DeVries, R., & Kamii, C. (2001). Comparing and Contrasting two Curriculum Models. Appropriate planning leads to intentional instruction that benefits young children. As teachers implement carefully sequenced plans, they gain valuable information about children, materials, teaching methods, and outcomes. In the “Technical Scientific...
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...Compare and Contrast the Theories of Piaget and Vygosky Tiffany AbelleraBlas BSHS/342 February 3, 2013 Dr. Branch Compare and Contrast the Theories of Piaget and Vygosky In this essay I will be comparing and contrasting the differences between two theorist, Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). Though both agreed that children’s cognitive development took place in stages. However they were distinguished by different styles of thinking. Piaget felt that children progressed in four different stages of cognitive development, This theory is know as Piaget’s Stage Theory because it deals with four stages of development, which are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational. As for Vygotsky, he is most often associated with the social constructivist theory and came into three general claims: culture, language, and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) (Berk, 2010). Piaget was the first to reveal that children reason and think differently at different periods in their lives. He said, “Children’s thinking is rigid, limited to one aspect of a situation at a time, and strongly influenced by the way things appear at the moment.” (Berk, 2010) According to his four stages, in the first stage sensorimotor, which occurs from birth to the age of two is the time in an infant’s life when the child basically deals with what is presented to him or her. Then learn about physical objects and are concerned with motor skills and the consequences of...
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...Chapter 6: Cognition & Language CHAPTER OUTLINE I. Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory A. Piaget’s theory is a general, unifying story of how biology and experience sculpt cognitive development. 1. Piaget thought that just as our physical bodies have structures that enable us to adapt to the world, we build mental structures to adapt to the world. 2. He emphasized that children actively construct their own cognitive worlds; he sought to discover how children at different points in their development think about the world and how systematic changes in their thinking occur. B. Processes of development: 3. Schemes are actions or mental representations that organize knowledge; behavioral schemes (physical activities, characterize infancy, and mental schemes (cognitive activities) develop in childhood. a) Older children have schemes that include strategies and plans for solving problems; b) By the time we reach adulthood, we have constructed an enormous number of diverse schemes. 2. Assimilation occurs when new information is incorporated into existing schemes. 3. Accommodation occurs when learners adjust their schemes to fit new information and experiences. 4. Equilibration is the grouping isolated behaviors and thoughts into higher-order system. Continual refinement is an inherent part of development. C. Equilibration and...
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...Jean Piaget, John Dewey, and Lev Vygotsky formed constructivism, a learning theory which explains how “knowledge is constructed by organizing, structuring, and restructuring of experiences.” (Morrison, 2011, p. 66) Jean Piaget devoted his life and used his own children for observation and conducting research to develop this theory. Constructivism views the child as an active, social, and creative learner. Traditional method of teaching presents students with passive knowledge, this method has many pitfalls. Teachers that use the constructivist method view this theory as a tool box for the many problems of learning. (Perkins, 1999) Constructivism is a cognitive theory which focuses on experiential, hands-on, and activity based teaching and learning. Students are actively engaged in learning so it is very important to have learning environments that support active, reflective, contextual, and collaborative learning. (Keengwe & Onchwari, 2011) Students should not just receive passive knowledge but instead be actively engaged with hands-on or mind-on activities. (Morrison, 2011) A constructivist teacher understands that it is very important for the students to form their own representation of knowledge, and this can be done by active experience and exploration. Piaget believed that all children pass through different developmental stages. Sensorimotor, preoperational, and concrete operations start at birth and continue up to approximately 12 years of age. In these stages a child...
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...Factors which influence Learning, Relationships and Communication in a Classroom Studies have shown that learning, relationships and communication actively interrelate, influencing each other. If a teacher has good communication skills they will develop a good relationship with their students which in turn will have a positive effect on the learning environment (Kyriacou 1998). However, over the years theorists in educational psychology have viewed pupils’ motivation as one of the most important features that contribute to student learning (Chrisotphel 1990). Therefore, this essay will critically discuss motivation as a key factor that influences these three areas. According to Seifert (1999) motivation affects the amount of time and energy students are willing to devote to any task. If motivation is essential for learning students need reasons to expend the energy. Teachers are the main adults in students live for several hours during the week. Therefore teachers are given the opportunity to play a significant role in the pupil’s social and personal development (Woolfolk et al 2008). It is the teachers’ responsibility to establish such an environment, flourished with positive energy which enables pupils to reach their potential both academically and socially. Factors which influence Communication In order to motivate the students it is essential that the teacher has the necessary skills. Communication is of immense importance in relation to teaching skills. When communication...
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...CHILD DEVELOPMENT Principles & Perspectives © 2005 Joan Littlefield Cook Greg Cook 0-205-40028-0 Exam Copy ISBN 0-205-31411-2 Bookstore ISBN Visit www.ablongman.com/replocator to contact your local Allyn & Bacon/Longman representative. s a m p l e c h a p t e r The pages of this Sample Chapter may have slight variations in final published form. Allyn & Bacon 75 Arlington St., Suite 300 Boston, MA 02116 www.ablongman.com Cognitive Development Piagetian and Sociocultural Views CHAPTER PREVIEW Piaget’s Constructivist View of Cognitive Development Vygotsky’s Sociocultural View of Cognitive Development • Piaget as a Child Prodigy • Constructivism and Interaction with the Environment Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development • Vygotsky’s Background: The Sociocultural Context for a New Theory • The Role of Speech and Language • Mediation: With a Little Help from Your Friends • The Zone of Proximal Development • Scaffolding: Support during Learning Recent Sociocultural Views of Cognitive Development • Stage 1: Sensorimotor Thought (Birth to 2 Years) • Stage 2: Preoperational Thought (2 to 7 Years) • Stage 3: Concrete Operational Thought (7 to 11 Years) • Stage 4: Formal Operational Thought (Approximately Age 12 and Above) • Evaluation of Piaget’s Theory • Piaget’s Legacy • Situated Cognition • Guided Participation • Thinking as Socially Shared Cognition: Two Heads Are Better than One “Maria wants to pick the best school for her sons, so she...
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...Freud's Stages of Psychosexual Development Oral stage: Age Range: Birth to 1 Year Erogenous Zone: Mouth * During the oral stage, the infant's primary source of interaction occurs through the mouth, so the rooting and sucking reflex is especially important. The mouth is vital for eating, and the infant derives pleasure from oral stimulation through gratifying activities such as tasting and sucking. Because the infant is entirely dependent upon caretakers (who are responsible for feeding the child), the infant also develops a sense of trust and comfort through this oral stimulation. * The primary conflict at this stage is the weaning process--the child must become less dependent upon caretakers. If fixation occurs at this stage, Freud believed the individual would have issues with dependency or aggression. Oral fixation can result in problems with drinking, eating, smoking, or nail biting. The anal stage: Age Range: 1 to 3 years Erogenous Zone: Bowel and Bladder Control * During the anal stage, Freud believed that the primary focus of the libido was on controlling bladder and bowel movements. The major conflict at this stage is toilet training--the child has to learn to control his or her bodily needs. Developing this control leads to a sense of accomplishment and independence. * According to Freud, success at this stage is dependent upon the way in which parents approach toilet training. Parents who utilize praise and rewards for using the toilet at the appropriate...
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...kermit and the keyboard Kermit and the Keyboard Lora Norris American InterContinental University May 4, 2014 Abstract This story of “Kermit and the Keyboard” will take us through many different theories to unravel the elements of why each viewpoint is important as the other. We will look at 3 different cognitive theories in this situation with some comparing and contrasting to see what elements are in the same manner and the others differently. Grasping the understanding of which theory that works the best and how the others play a role in the development of Kermit’s behavior. Introduction This scenario of “Kermit and the Keyboard” has many illustration of the constructivist learning environment. His learning was to skillfully play the keyboard by using a variety of different background voices to help him achieve the desired sound by thinking critically and how to apply them. Three Different Cognitivist Theories of this Situation First we will look at Kermit through the Cognitive Information Processing (CIP). The cognitive information processing theory is one where learning is based upon the ideas that learning is an internal process. The scenario of Kermit learning to play the keyboard and attempting to try other avenues may or may not be feasible. Each theory has some insight into his learning and development that is useful for him to learn how to play the keyboard. Kermit has already achieved limited learning in this outcome from the studies and on his own...
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...Educational Approach Hennepin Technical College Fathima Sadiki Introduction to Early Childhood Careers 1105-30 Carla Weigel 04/16/2015 The Theoretical origin of the field: Theory is figure of knowledge used to outline, clarify, and foretell the behavior. Theory is represent the starting point of intentional curriculum. Also it give the idea “why” effective practice. All the element are tied up together when it come up to development of children. Theory notifies planning, then it will affects the implementation of curriculum, and each informs appropriate assessment. The final result of the assessment feedback to theory. The origins of early childhood education is discover in 16th century work of Martin Luther (1483 -1546). Many finding of the early childhood education to the work of Martin Luther. From this foundation many theories has been found. They found the how to give the best education for young children. There are four main theories. * Psychoanalytic theory - it pressure that what happens to you as a child affects you as an adult. * Cultural transmissionists /behaviorism – main factor for child development is environment. * Maturationists – child natural development is the fact of child development. * Constructivism – Child development effect by how the child interact with the environment and peers. Now there are three theoretical prospective which early childhood educators fall into; Maturationists, behaviorist, constructivism. Maturationism is an early...
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...surprise me. I admire all these theorists such as Piaget, Bruner, Freud, Erikson, and Montessori and so on, because thanks to their investigations in their corresponding fields, they have discovered theories that until now are very useful to understand some aspects that play an important role in human life. These psychologists have studied during decades how people change over time and the developmental stages across the human lifespan (i.e., birth to death). Because of their researches we can now apply certain theories related to development, emotional, social, and cognitive- intellectual acquisition and aspects. Some theorists help parents and teachers how to understand and be supportive in the child’s growth and development, and what better way to do so then by having the knowledge surrounding their child’s behavior from birth to adolescences. For example, when I read Montessori, I loved a quote that says "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." It is always a goal of Montessori education in the classrooms to make the child independent and be able to do things for himself. This is achieved by giving children opportunities to choose what they want to do, and to help the adults with tasks. When the children are able to do things for themselves there is an increase in their self belief, self confidence and esteem that they may carry on throughout their life. Others theorists such as Vygotsky and Freud have theories that are interesting and helpful...
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...Theories of Development Multiple Choice Questions 1) Which of the following theories relies on the understanding of internal drives and emotions to answer the "whys" of human development? A) Psychoanalytic B) Humanistic C) Biological D) Cognitive Answer: A Page Ref: 24 2) Psychoanalytic theorists suggests that human development depends on A) our ability to accommodate external stimuli. B) our ability to modify our behavior based on the prospect of rewards or punishment. C) the influence of internal drives and emotions upon behavior. D) social relationships. Answer: C Page Ref: 24 3) Which of the following most accurately describes Freud's model of the personality? A) Formal operations B) Id, ego, and identity C) Consciousness, preconsciousness, and reality D) Id, ego, superego Answer: D Page Ref: 24 4) Which aspect of our personality demands to be satisfied in physically pleasurable ways? A) Executive control of the ego B) Moral guardian of the superego C) Libido of the id D) Reality principle of the superego Answer: C Page Ref: 24 5) Jada saw some money on the kitchen table. She really wanted to take it but her conscience kept her from it. Which part of Jada's personality is telling her that it would be socially unacceptable to take the money? A) Superego B) Ego C) Unconscious D) Id Answer: A Page Ref: 24 6) According to Freud's model of personality, which of the following...
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...Meaning & Nature of Language Introduction Language is the heart of our world. We create our concept of the world by thinking and naming things. Using words helps us communicate effectively in different situations. Without language, we would not be able to communicate at all. Verbal communication is one of life's naturally occurring communication systems. Communication is essential for human beings. Language is the primary way in which adults pass ways of thinking and conversing on to their children. Language is an accumulation of knowledge because we learned everything by somebody through language. Society would have to recreate itself every generation if it could not pass its knowledge on through language. Language is one of the most powerful tools in human communication. Words are meant to establish and maintain friendly contact. Through words, people shape their identities. People can express their feelings, attitudes, and experiences to each other through words. By speaking, information can be give to others about oneself and the world around him/her. In Christine Leong's essay Being A Chink, she describes the power of language. She said, "It gives us identity, personality, social status, and it also creates communities, defining both insiders and outsiders. Language has the ability to heal or to harm, to praise or belittle, to promote peace or even to glorify hate." I believe this is what language is all about. Language has two purposes. Depending...
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