Blog Two, Theorist: Piaget

Piaget

Jean Piaget developed a theory based on cognitive development that revolves around four stages. Through many hours of observation and clinical research he established these four theoretical principles. One main principle is the word ‘schema’. This describes the world in which the child constructs their learning (Marsh, 2004 pp. 17). The schema is a concept or framework that exists in an individuals mind to organize and interpret information (Santrock, 2001). Piaget put forward that children think differently from adults, and in different stages and that children will learn according to their own cognitive structures. They do not passively receive knowledge rather organize it to fit in with their own learning ‘schema’ (Marsh, 2004 pp. 17 - 23). The four stages of development are categorized as:

Sensorimotor stage (0 - 2 years)
Through physical interaction with their environment, builds a set of concepts about reality and how it works.

Preoperational stage (2 – 7 years)
At this stage the child can only understand things that they believe are permanent. They cannot comprehend non-physical realities.

Concrete operations (7 - 11 years)
The Child creates logical structures, starts to actively problem sove and can explain physical experiences

Formal operations (11-15 years and onwards)
At this stage the child shows cognitive development that would compare to that of an adult. This includes hypothetical reasoning and abstract thought.

http://www.lab-learner.com/images/AboutLabLearner/Piaget.gif This shows a diagram of where the certain stages com into play in school grades.

This theory is very beneficial for teaching purposes as it gives a guideline as to what stage your students should be at. The child progresses through stages of object permanence to conversation and abstract thought and reasoning (Krause et.al, 2003 pp.43 - 66) As a teacher, I would use this as a plan for developing lessons as you can have a guideline of what learning could occur in your lesson. Although you cannot assume that your students will fit into these categories, as some may experience learning difficulties that need special attention.