This lesson focused on cognitive development. We were asked questions about Piaget's theory and Vygotsky's, and we had to answer the questions to the best of our abilities.
EDUC 2130 - Lesson 3 – Cognitive Development
What are some of the implications of Piaget for teachers? In other words, how could you, as a teacher, use some of Piaget’s ideas and theories?
Piaget mentions how students, as individuals, sees things differently than their peers. We as teachers should use materials, that each child recognizes, for their understanding. When we think our students aren't getting the material, we should try using hands-on practice or small groups for better understanding. Most likely, our students are all going to be on different levels of learning, and all learn in different ways. As teachers, we need to encourage our students and motivate them to learn in the best way that is for them. We need to encourage them to explore the different opportunities by themselves. Students need to learn by discovery.
What are some of the criticisms directed towards Piaget and his theory?
One thing that Piaget's theory could be criticized for is how he underestimates a child's ability. Looking at Piaget's developmental stages, I believe children develop faster than how Piaget described. Yes, all children develop at different rates, but the children I've had experience with, most, if not all, exceed Piaget's expectations of where a child should be at, at their age.
What is the “Zone of Proximal Development?”
The Zone of Proximal Development is an idea that Vygostsky came up with. This idea simply shows what a student can learn with a little assistance from their teacher and sometimes even their classmates. Vygotsky says language comes before thought.
What are some criticisms of Vygotsky’s theory?
Vygotsky focused heavily on culture influence in his theories. He mentions that the culture in which a child lives is the most important with language development. He believes that mental process and cognitive schema processes come second to culture.
What are some of the implications of Vygotsky for teachers? In other words, how could you, as a teacher, use some of Vygotsky’s ideas and theories?
There are many beliefs that Vygotsky mentions that teachers should put forth in their classrooms. He believes that education develops a students personality and brings out the creativity in students. As teachers, we have to be cautious to not push our own beliefs onto our student. We need to let our students figure out their beliefs on their own. We need to find methods to teach our students that correspond to their developmental and individual characteristics. Us teachers also need to encourage our students to participate in all the different cultural activities around them.
Summary
I've actually studied Piaget and Vygotsky's theories before, but I think I have a better understanding now than I did before. After reading about Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories on cognitive development, I would say both of the psychologists had great ideas that teachers need to use in their classrooms. Both are very set on letting the students learn on their own. Overall, I think as future teachers, we need to build a relationship with each individual student, figure out the best way for them to learn, and always encourage our students to do their best.
Research Question
Why is early childhood cognitive development important?
Reference(s):
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/earlychildhood/sect2.html
Research Analysis
Early childhood usually refers from birth to age five. During this time, a child is learning language, even before they can physically speak. When a child is ready to speak their first word, they already know the sound that it is supposed to make. They know the tempo, rhythm of words, and phrases before they are ever able to speak.
A child's development early in life is strongly connected to the level of success that that child will experience later in life. Young children who live in an environment and have the opportunity to listen to and use language at an early age, begin to acquire the essential building blocks for learning how to read. For children who don't have the opportunity to listen to and use language at an early age, when they start school, they are behind and will most likely stay behind.
Research Summary
According to my research, I have found that cognitive development is very important for early childhood. It gets a child ready for language and the successes that they will experience in their future. If a child isn't able to have the same opportunities as another child, they won't be as successful in the future. I agree that when children experience language early, they have a greater opportunity than the children who don't, but I also believe that a child who isn't or wasn't able to have those opportunities, if they are really wanting to succeed, they will.