Chapter 2 Learning Log

What?

In class this week we have learned about cognitive development and the two main theorists of this area, Piaget and Vygotsky. Cognitive development is defined as the process of acquiring intelligence and increasingly advanced thought and problem-solving ability from infancy to adulthood. It is influenced by several different aspects: physical development of the brain structure, life experiences, pruning of neuronetworks, and brain plasticity.



Piaget theorized that there are four separate and distinct stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor (0-2), preoperational (2-7), concrete operational (7-12), and formal operational (12+). Piaget believed that individuals learned by active exploration of the physical environment and by peer to peer interaction, rather than child to adult interactions. His theory is derived from observational research.



Vygotsky, on the other hand, did not have distinct stages of cognitive development, but he rather believed it to be a much more individualistic and gradual process. He also believed cognitive development to be a social construct and based on child to adult interaction. An important concept of Vygotsky is the Zone of Proximal Development. There is a current cognitive level that a child is at, and the Zone of Proximal Development is the level that a child can attain with the help of another in order to reach a new cognitive level.



So What?

It is important to understand what cognitive development is and the theories behind it because this knowledge can be implemented in the classroom. Piaget and Vygotsky have laid out theories that create an understanding for how children learn, as well as theories on how to instruct students. Knowing Piaget's theory on the process of equilibration helps a teacher understand how to presetn the right information and ask the right questions that will promote disequilibrium. Understanding Vygotsky's theory of ZPD will help a teacher to properly help his/her students through assignments.



Now What?

As a teacher I can use this knowledge of Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories in my classroom instruction. Piaget believed that children learned from an active exploration of their physical environment; this concept can be implemented by allowing my student's to explore and discover on their own rather than giving them a set path to follow and not allowing for creativity. Also he believed that children learn by peer to peer contact. This concept can be implemented by allowing them to work in groups often. Vygotsky promoted guided participation. This can be implemented in my classroom by making sure I give them proper instruction, examples, and help on all assignments rather than living it all up to just them.