Premium Essay

Cognitive Development: Comparing the Main Ideas of Piaget and Vygotsky

In:

Submitted By onlyhymns
Words 805
Pages 4
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 and learn?). While Piaget said that cognitive development is perhaps more universally experienced, Vygotsky seemed to disagree. He argued that cognitive development depends on the social and historical context of one’s life. Vygotsky also believed that growth in terms of cognition will mostly result from the child’s social interactions (specifically with the instruction and reassurance of a

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Theory

...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...

Words: 19802 - Pages: 80

Premium Essay

Factors Which Influence Learning, Relationships and Communication in a Classroom

...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 is effective learning is easier, goals are more likely to be met and the classroom experience in general is more positive. In order to discuss the link between communication and motivation, communication must be explained. There are...

Words: 2104 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Tma 06 Floating and Sinking Report

...to test the hypotheses that social interaction is related to cognitive change, that children progress through developmental stages in an understanding of science. Two children were used for the investigation a boy aged eleven and a girl aged six. The data was collated from video-recorded tasks. The participant’s predictions and explanations were coded. Findings revealed that when the children experienced cognitive conflict or were challenged by the researcher this could cause conceptual change, leading to a developmental progression in the children’s scientific thinking. INTRODUCTION Considerable research exists on the mathematic and scientific thinking of children. Selly, N (1993) proposed a developmental progression of children’s scientific understanding, relating to floating and sinking. Selly argues that young children have a very practical view of buoyancy. As children realise that their explanations are insufficient, they progress through a series of what Selley termed Hypotheses from 1, 1A,2,3,and 4. Cognitive changes in the development of mathematical and scientific concepts are Piaget’s discovery learning, this occurs when children are lone learners working mostly on their own. To get children to progress with their thinking Paiget and his colleagues would challenge pupils and their thinking creating conflict and producing disequilibrium that would initiate the equilibrium processes, producing cognitive change. This links to Selley’s (1993) H 4 (Hypothesis) referred...

Words: 3568 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Heeeeeeee

...------------------------------------------------- Course Syllabus AAGI0MZ6M0 Child Development Course Start Date: 12/04/2012 Course End Date: 02/24/2013                   Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document. Copyright Copyright ©2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices. Facilitator Information                                                                                                       Stephanie Jacobs Holder swjacobs@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) Bailiquinc@aol.com (Personal) 602-738-2059 (MST) Facilitator Availability I am available from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Central Time on most days, but I attempt to reserve Sunday for my family. During the week, I am online most of the time during that 9 a.m.-9 p.m. time frame. On Saturdays, I tend to be...

Words: 3022 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Preschool Obser

...preschoolers, from 2 ½, 3, 4, or 5 years old. In the classroom where I began my observation there were two teachers and nine children (we later moved to the playground). I felt that the preschool was a very safe environment for the children. The front yards of the school were completely fenced so no children can run off the property. It seemed to be a healthy place for the children to play both inside and out. The preschool is very spacious and it is across the parking lot from the elementary school it feeds into. Approaching the preschool you are greeted by large, blue letters, “PILGRIM LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL”. There is a gate in the middle of the fence with a handle so that only a certain height can reach. On either side of the path to enter the main building is a nice green lawn where the children can play with toys for outside. As the door is opened you hear an alarm beep which to me said this school is a safe place for these kids, the teachers are always aware when someone walks into the building. There is a spacious kitchen where the teachers prepare their snacks for their class. There are four classrooms for the four specific age groups. Each classroom was equipped with desks and chairs suitable for young children in preschool. There was an art table where there were coloring sheets, crayons, and markers for the children to draw and doodle pictures. Another corner was filled with costumes and props for children to play dress-up. The day of my observation there were doctor props where...

Words: 4558 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Uiop

... —Charles Sanders Peirce, Collected Papers, vol. 5 Did You Know . . . Basic Theoretical Issues Issue 1: Is Development Active or Reactive? Issue 2: Is Development Continuous or Discontinuous? Theoretical Perspectives * Theories are never “set in stone”; they are always open to change as a result of new findings? * Children shape their world as it shapes them? * Cross-cultural research enables us to determine which aspects of development are universal and which are culturally influenced? * An experiment is the most definitive way to demonstrate that one event causes another? * The results of laboratory experiments may be less applicable to real life than experiments carried out in a home, school, or public setting? These are just a few of the interesting and important topics we will cover in this chapter. Here, we present an overview both of major theories of human development and of research methods used to study it. In the first part of the chapter, we explore major issues and theoretical perspectives that underlie much research in child development. In the remainder of the chapter, we look at how researchers gather and assess information so that, as you read further in this book, you will be better able to judge whether research findings and conclu- Perspective 1: Psychoanalytic Perspective 2: Learning Perspective 3: Cognitive Perspective 4: Contextual Perspective 5:...

Words: 21135 - Pages: 85

Premium Essay

Nothing

... Unit F922: Child development The portfolio work you produce for this assignment will be assessed to decide your mark for this unit. You need to produce evidence based on the study of a child up to the age of eight years. NB: To enable you to fully cover the requirements of this unit, the child you choose should be at least eight years old as it is difficult to project the development of the child. Your evidence needs to include: A description of two patterns (milestones) in each area of development of children, described from birth to eight years explaining two methods of monitoring development An explanation of the factors that have influenced the child studied and how they have affected his/her development, comparing their development with the norms Research relating to two roles of play and how they can be reflected in the development of the child studied Records of the planning of a learning aid for the child studied to use and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the aid and the benefits to the child studied. (You will use a different child under 8 years for AO4) PATTERNS OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (AO1 A) Identify the key stages and describe in detail two patterns (milestones) of development for each of the following: Physical growth and development (suggest 1 dev & 1 growth, eg gross motor skills & teeth) Intellectual development (suggest cognitive & writing) Language development (have to do verbal & non-verbal) ...

Words: 2252 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Book

...Sat-Sun, 7am-12am MST by phone at (800) 800-9776 ext. 7200 or submit a ticket online by visiting http://help.gcu.edu. Doc ID: 1009-0001-158C-0000158D Jeanne Ellis Ormrod Professor Emerita, University of Northern Colorado University of New Hampshire ISBN 0-558-65860-1 Boston ● Columbus ● Indianapolis ● New York ● San Francisco ● Upper Saddle River Amsterdam ● Cape Town ● Dubai ● London ● Madrid ● Milan ● Munich ● Paris ● Montreal ● Toronto Delhi ● Mexico City ● Sao Paula ● Sydney ● Hong Kong ● Seoul ● Singapore ● Taipei ● Tokyo Educational Psychology: Developing Learners, Seventh Edition, by Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. Published by Allyn & Bacon. Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. Editor-in-Chief: Paul A. Smith Development Editor: Christina Robb Editorial Assistant: Matthew Buchholz Vice President, Director of Marketing: Quinn Perkson Marketing Manager: Jared Brueckner Production Editor: Annette Joseph Editorial Production Service: Marty Tenney, Modern Graphics, Inc. Manufacturing Buyer: Megan Cochran Electronic Composition: Modern Graphics, Inc. Interior Design: Denise Hoffman, Glenview Studios Photo Researcher: Annie Pickert Cover Designer: Studio Montage For related titles and support materials, visit our online catalog at www.pearsonhighered.com. Copyright © 2011, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Allyn & Bacon, 501 Boylston St., Suite 900, Boston, MA 02116. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected...

Words: 101358 - Pages: 406

Premium Essay

Descriptive Linguistics

...Language Teaching Methodology Theodore S. Rodgers, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii Background Language teaching came into its own as a profession in the last century. Central to this phenomenon was the emergence of the concept of "methods" of language teaching. The method concept in language teaching—the notion of a systematic set of teaching practices based on a particular theory of language and language learning—is a powerful one, and the quest for better methods was a preoccupation of teachers and applied linguists throughout the 20th century. Howatt's (1984) overview documents the history of changes of practice in language teaching throughout history, bringing the chronology up through the Direct Method in the 20th century. One of the most lasting legacies of the Direct Method has been the notion of "method" itself. Language Teaching Methodology Defined Methodology in language teaching has been characterized in a variety of ways. A more or less classical formulation suggests that methodology is that which links theory and practice. Theory statements would include theories of what language is and how language is learned or, more specifically, theories of second language acquisition (SLA). Such theories are linked to various design features of language instruction. These design features might include stated objectives, syllabus specifications, types of activities, roles of teachers, learners, materials, and so forth. Design features in turn are linked...

Words: 12744 - Pages: 51

Free Essay

Phsychology

...submit a ticket online by visiting http://help.gcu.edu. Doc ID: 1009-0001-191D-0000191E DEVELOPING LEARNERS JEANNE ELLIS ORMROD Professor Emerita, University of Northern Colorado EIGHTH EDITION ISBN 1-256-96292-9 Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City São Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Educational Psychology: Developing Learners, Eighth Edition, by Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. Published by Pearson. Copyright © 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. Vice President and Editorial Director: Jeffery W.  Johnston Vice President and Publisher: Kevin Davis Editorial Assistant: Lauren Carlson Development Editor: Christina Robb Vice President, Director of Marketing: Margaret Waples Marketing Manager: Joanna Sabella Senior Managing Editor: Pamela D. Bennett Project Manager: Kerry Rubadue Senior Operations Supervisor: Matthew Ottenweller Senior Art Director: Diane Lorenzo Text Designer: Candace Rowley Cover Designer: Candace Rowley Media Project Manager: Noelle Chun Cover Image: © Purestock / Alamy Full‐Service Project Management: Jouve North America Composition: Jouve North America Printer/Binder: Courier / Kendallvile Cover Printer: Lehigh-Phoenix Color / Hagerstown Text Font: Adobe Garamond Pro Credits and acknowledgments for materials borrowed from other sources and reproduced, with permission, in...

Words: 244561 - Pages: 979

Premium Essay

Independent Learning

...Research Report DCSF-RR051 Independent Learning Literature Review Bill Meyer, Naomi Haywood, Darshan Sachdev and Sally Faraday Learning and Skills Network Research Report No DCSF-RR051 Independent Learning Literature Review Bill Meyer, Naomi Haywood, Darshan Sachdev and Sally Faraday Learning and Skills Network The views expressed in this report are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Children, Schools and Families. © Learning and Skills Network 2008 ISBN 978 1 84775 239 0 Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Executive summary...............................................................................2 Introduction .........................................................................................10 Policy context ......................................................................................12 Methodology........................................................................................14 Defining independent learning.............................................................15 Key elements of independent learning ................................................21 Models of independent learning ..........................................................25 Skills required for independent learning ..............................................28 How teachers can promote independent learning ...............................32 How schools can promote independent learning.............

Words: 26482 - Pages: 106

Premium Essay

The Gold One

...PART 1 THE STUDY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT R esearching the process of human development across cultures provides us with an opportunity to improve the human condition as well as, hopefully, to acquire the knowledge needed to optimize life satisfaction. We therefore begin with an overview of how diverse social science and life science researchers (collectively known as developmentalists) approach the monumental task of studying humans over the course of the life span. Our discussion includes the goals of the scientific community, the recognized framework for studying the life span, what aspects of development warrant extensive examination, and what scientific methods are used to conduct research with humans. Chapter 2 discusses the main developmental theories over the past 100 years, when social scientists, biologists, and chemists focused on studying discrete aspects of human development. Earlier introspective methods about subconscious experience and contemporary measurable evidence about microscopic genetic codes, neurons, and hormones all contribute to our understanding of the human condition. Contemporary researchers are focusing on how to integrate scientific findings and theory from across cultures into a more meaningful whole about human development. CHAPTER 1 Introduction Critical Thinking Questions 1. Developmental change takes place in three fundamental domains: physical, cognitive, and emotional-social. Which domain has been most important for...

Words: 20056 - Pages: 81

Free Essay

Term Paper for Social Change

...Standard 1: A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community. The effective administrator: 1.1 Uses research about best professional practice. Cooperative Learning       "Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students         work together to maximize their own and each other's learning." WHAT IS IT? Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. Each member of a team is responsible not only for learning what is taught but also for helping teammates learn, thus creating an atmosphere of achievement. WHY USE IT? Documented results include improved academic achievement, improved behavior and attendance, increased self-confidence and motivation, and increased liking of school and classmates. Cooperative learning is also relatively easy to implement and is inexpensive. HOW DOES IT WORK? Here are some typical strategies that can be used with any subject, in almost any grade, and without a special curriculum: Group Investigations are structured to emphasize higher-order thinking skills such as analysis and evaluation. Students work to produce a group project, which they may have a hand...

Words: 52057 - Pages: 209

Premium Essay

The Case of Mike and Marty Scanlon

...seventh-grade science, worked as a curriculum developer for the Upward Bound Program, and taught sociology, social psychology, anthropology, and honors seminars at the university level. As a professional writer, he has written nonfiction books, journal and magazine articles, novels, and stage plays. Contents Contents INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS LESSON ASSIGNMENTS LESSON 1: PSYCHOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF THE MIND LESSON 2: THE MIND AT WORK LESSON 3: MOTIVATION, EMOTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND PERSONALITY RESEARCH PROJECT LESSON 4: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS LESSON 5: PSYCHOLOGY FOR TWO OR MORE CASE STUDIES SELF-CHECK ANSWERS 1 7 9 43 75 117 127 147 167 171 iii YOUR COURSE Instructions Instructions Welcome to your course, Essentials of Psychology. You’re entering a course of study designed to help you better understand yourself and others. For that reason, you can think of this course as practical. It should be of use to you in living your life and reaching the goals you set for yourself. You’ll use two main resources for your course work: this study guide and your textbook, Psychology and Your Life, by Robert S. Feldman. OBJECTIVES When you complete this course, you’ll be able to ■ Describe the science and methodologies of psychology in the context of its historical origins and major perspectives Outline the fundamental structure of the human nervous system and explain how it relates to the organization of human sensory perception Relate altered states of consciousness...

Words: 49230 - Pages: 197

Premium Essay

Introduction to Psychology

...TPS 101: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY TPS 101 serves as the beginning course in psychology; as such, it is broad in scope. The course will introduce students to the history of psychology, and current paradigms and theories. We will cover neuroscience, sensation, perception, memory, and language, stress and health psychology, personality and social psychology, intelligence, and developmental psychology. Because of time limitations, none of these topics can be covered in great depth. The reference textbooks and the material presented in class will serve as the primary sources for the material to be covered. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. Psychology also refers to the application of such knowledge to various spheres of human activity, including problems of individuals' daily lives and the treatment of mental illness. It is largely concerned with humans, although the behaviour and mental processes of animals can also be part of psychology research, either as a subject in its own right (e.g. animal cognition and ethnology), or somewhat more controversially, as a way of gaining an insight into human psychology by means of comparison (including comparative psychology). Origins of the psychology Near the end of 19th century things started drawing together. Questions raised by philosophers were being...

Words: 84844 - Pages: 340