EAB10002 Assessment1
Cognition is known as the process involved in thinking and mental activity, such as attention, memory and problem solving. "Cognition refers to how one builds knowledge or the process of knowing, which includes ways of perceiving, and organizing information that one incorporates on building knowledge. " (Powell, 2006) In this essay I will compare and contrast the theories of two theorists, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky who both believed in cognitivism and influenced what we know today about children’s development and learning. Jean Piaget was a Swiss scientist and philosopher who later resided in France. Piaget believed children were like "little scientists" gathering data, processing, and making sense of the information (Powell, 2006). Piaget believed that kids develop in 4 major stages related to ego and self-centered tendencies and motives. Vygotsky in comparison was a Russian psychologist and philosopher whose theory is based more on social interactions and processes. Vygotsky believing environment and relationships cause the child to begin and progress through the stages (Woolfolk, 2012)
Piaget believed individuals must adapt to their environment. He described two processes for adaptation, which is an organism’s ability to fit in with its environment, assimilation and accommodation (Dimitriadis & Kamberelis, 2006, p. 171). Jean Piaget identified four stages in cognitive development, the first being the sensorimotor stage (Infancy). During this period, which has six stages within it, intelligence is demonstrated through motor activity and play. Knowledge of the world is developing because it is based on physical interactions and experiences. The second stage is the Pre-operational stage (Toddler and Early Childhood) during this period, which has two stages children, learn through use of symbols and language acquisition. Children also develop imagination and memory during this stage. The third stage, known as the Concrete operational stage (Primary and Early
Piaget believed individuals must adapt to their environment. He described two processes for adaptation, which is an organism’s ability to fit in with its environment, assimilation and accommodation (Dimitriadis & Kamberelis, 2006, p. 171). Jean Piaget identified four stages in cognitive development, the first being the sensorimotor stage (Infancy). During this period, which has six stages within it, intelligence is demonstrated through motor activity and play. Knowledge of the world is developing because it is based on physical interactions and experiences. The second stage is the Pre-operational stage (Toddler and Early Childhood) during this period, which has two stages children, learn through use of symbols and language acquisition. Children also develop imagination and memory during this stage. The third stage, known as the Concrete operational stage (Primary and Early
References: Dimitriadis, G. and Kamberelis, G. (2006). Theory for Education. Palmer, J.A (2001) Fifty modern thinkers of education. Routledge: New York Powell, L Woolfolk, A. (2012). Educational psychology. (12 ed.). Pearson. McLeod, S.A. (2007) Lev Vygotsky. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.hyml Tools of the mind (2014). Vygotskian Approach. Retrieved from http://www.toolsofthemind.org/philosophy/vygotskian-approach/