Week 4: The Theory of Theorist, Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)

The Theory of Cognitive Development

Take Away Points

- Children think differently but are not less competent - TCD focused on development rather than learning

- Cognitive Development was a progressive reorganization of mental processes

- Cognitive Development does not progress at a steady rate - Discovery Learning = learn by doing through active exploration 3 Basic Components of Cognitive Theory 1) Schemas (skee·muh)- the building blocks of knowledge

2) Adaptive processes- transitioning from one stage to another

3) stages of Cognitive Development

Contributions to Child Development

Moving through the four stages of Child Development, Piaget paved the way for todays model of child rearing. Piaget affirmed todays belief that through meaningful play, exploration, encouraging young learners through a trial and error approach (growth mindset*), and at a developmentally appropriate period, (with kindness and compassion) we as educators, will be better equipped to handle and advocate for the specialized needs of our young learners; this awareness is all thanks to the Theory of Cognitive Development that was discovered by Jean Piaget.

**Please see all references listed, in order, under the "References" tab at the top of the page.