Compare and contrast the approaches of Piaget and Vygotsky. What aspects of their theories have best stood the test of time?
Jean Piaget work proposed a unified theory in cognitive development. This multidirectional perspective suggests behaviour is a result by an interaction between the biology and social factors (Sameroff, 2010). In contrast, Lev Vygotsky alternatively indicates that nurture plays a vital role. Social experience and cultural directly cultivates cognitive development.
Piaget suggests that children are active agents nurtured by their experiences which form mental schemas. Simultaneously, children use their inborn cognitions of adaptation and organization (Rider, 2012). Organization involves using schemas; schemas are cognitive structure which allow individuals organizes action and thought, helping to interpret human experiences. Biological predisposition such as …show more content…
Children are predisposed to their environment, this counteracts Piaget’s interactionist assumption. Cognitions is held by the group rather the individual, language is essential as it not only how one thinks but what the individual thinks (Case, 1998). Language depicts a group’s cultural belief and value system, children are constrained and restricted to these biases (Woolfolk, 2004). Vygotsky was heavily influenced by Marxism, this reflected in his work. As Karl Marx wrote before that men make their own history due to the circumstances in which they are placed in (Marx, 2012). This factor helps distinguishes the role of free will and determinism, Vygotsky favours the deterministic view whereas Piaget favours free will. Co-construction is a process where people interact in shared activities where a child is guided to form problem solving strategies. This results to co-constructed dialogues and leads to internalisation; in turn a child utilizes strategies and masters independent thinking (Woolfolk,
Jean Piaget work proposed a unified theory in cognitive development. This multidirectional perspective suggests behaviour is a result by an interaction between the biology and social factors (Sameroff, 2010). In contrast, Lev Vygotsky alternatively indicates that nurture plays a vital role. Social experience and cultural directly cultivates cognitive development.
Piaget suggests that children are active agents nurtured by their experiences which form mental schemas. Simultaneously, children use their inborn cognitions of adaptation and organization (Rider, 2012). Organization involves using schemas; schemas are cognitive structure which allow individuals organizes action and thought, helping to interpret human experiences. Biological predisposition such as …show more content…
Children are predisposed to their environment, this counteracts Piaget’s interactionist assumption. Cognitions is held by the group rather the individual, language is essential as it not only how one thinks but what the individual thinks (Case, 1998). Language depicts a group’s cultural belief and value system, children are constrained and restricted to these biases (Woolfolk, 2004). Vygotsky was heavily influenced by Marxism, this reflected in his work. As Karl Marx wrote before that men make their own history due to the circumstances in which they are placed in (Marx, 2012). This factor helps distinguishes the role of free will and determinism, Vygotsky favours the deterministic view whereas Piaget favours free will. Co-construction is a process where people interact in shared activities where a child is guided to form problem solving strategies. This results to co-constructed dialogues and leads to internalisation; in turn a child utilizes strategies and masters independent thinking (Woolfolk,