Assess The Difference Between Jean Piaget And Lev Vygotsky

In my essay I am going to be talking about two theorists which are Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Linking them between infants, toddlers and young children while considering health and wellbeing, learning and development, environmental as well as safety and nutrition factors.

Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a Switzerland born theorist who studied and observed the development of children. His theory is about cognitive development. It is linked to interaction with the environment, which is the process of cognitive development. “Piaget believed that children took an active role in the learning process, acting much like little scientists as they perform experiments, make observations, and learn about the world”. (Cherry, 2018). His theory has four
His theory has a socio-cultural approach and a holistic view. Vygotsky believed that “The key factors were not only the child’s existing knowledge or understanding but also their ability to learn with help”. (Pound, 2012, p. 40). Two strategies that Vygotsky uses in his theory is the Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding. “The Zone of Proximal Development is the difference between what a learner can do without help and what he or she can do with help.” (Culatta, 2011). When a child’s level of development increases the child is exposed to new knowledge and information improving and developing their Zone of Proximal Development. Scaffolding is teachers creating opportunities for children to develop and expand knowledge. Scaffolding is meeting the child’s needs and the intention on helping the child achieve their goals. Teachers and caregivers should be available and able to support children and their development and learning towards a deeper level of knowledge. Ways to demonstrate this is by modeling by example, giving positive reinforcements and being able to tell the child how they can improve in a constructive but empowering
Children who are surrounded in rich and positive environment at home and at school/ early childhood education centres, can improve their development. For example, children need stability and to be nurtured. If a child is not in a stable or nurtured environment, serious damage can be made on the children’s development. Children won’t know how to socially interact with other children. Their physical development is also immensely affected. This is seen through Piaget’s theory and the four stages of development. If one of these stages is not accommodated properly and accordingly then the child will suffer in their development and later on in life. (Eitel,