Piaget's Theory Of Constructivism

Superior Essays
Learning takes place in various ways and forms. Learning that occurs from formed knowledge based on personal experience and individual situations is considered constructivism (Schunk, 2016). This means that learners construct or create their own learning using what they already know. Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky are two theorists that have contributed a great bit to the topic of constructivism. Scholars Jerome Bruner, who introduced discovery learning, and John Dewey have also played a role in constructivism (Snowman & Mccown, 2013).
Theorist Jean Piaget expresses that cognition depends on biological maturation, individual experience with physical environment and the social environment. He also expressed that it depends on equilibrium
…show more content…
214). Incorporating Piaget’s theory of constructivism into learning and evaluating the intended audience, one must assess children on their level and then allow opportunities of learning based on the child’s level and abilities. For instance, in the infancy stage, simply introducing alphabet is enough to teach them each mark is something different even if they do not know specifics. As they age, allowing the children access to different books and reading to them, children learn that letters and words can combine to make stories. They build on their knowledge until actual reading happens through other lessons given and taught.
Constructivism has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of constructivism is that sensory input is important. Students are allowed to be active learners instead of just sitting down listening to lectures. Also, with constructivism, because the lessons are interactive they are more student-centered versus lesson-centered. In essence, within constructivist environments learning is structured to suite the concepts being taught, seek the points of view for the students and adapt the curriculum to the students (Schunk,
…show more content…
In scaffolding, the teacher or mentor must have a level of knowledge on the subject matter. They may be required to spend some time planning curriculums and completing lesson plans. Because the person providing the assistance should have the proper knowledge one disadvantage is that this type of guided instruction is time consuming. Also, as Berger (2011) explains, scaffolding should be the temporary support that has been modified to fit learner needs to ensure mastering of desired task. For that to happen, time and research is needed for the mentor to evaluate the level of learning already completed and the desired level to be achieved.
The main advantage of scaffolding is that it helps in supporting learning (Snowman & Mccown, 2013). Mentors are able to assist students in the learning of a difficult task by making the information easier to understand for them. This type of learning also leads the student to learn how to increase in self-efficacy as with the help of their mentor they learn different tactics so that they can construct methods of learning on their own. Also, because the student has help and support available for them, their frustration is

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    In this paper I will be exploring Piaget’s theory of cognitive development within the classroom setting. Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, theorized that, “our thinking processes change radically, though slowly, from birth to maturity because we constantly strive to make sense of the world” (Woolfolk, Winne, & Perry, 2015, p. 37). For this reason, each interaction and experience has an impact on development in early childhood. Additionally, there are three basic components to his cognitive theory that include: organization (schema), adaptations (assimilations, accommodations, equilibrium), and stages of development (Woolfolk, et al., 2015, pp.…

    • 334 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Constructive pedagogical practices are considered to encourage an effective classroom, where teachers and students work together to achieve their learning goals. Constructivism theory is basically depending on observation and scientific study of learning patterns of learners. Piaget’s cognitive and Vygotsky’s social constructivism are two dominant types of constructivism in the classroom. Both theories suggest useful teaching methods and learner-directed concepts based on purposeful and relevant knowledge, such as encouraging students to use effective strategies i.e. experiments, real-world problem solving, reflection and discussion about their learning experience and assess their understanding. The constructivist teachers ensure they understand…

    • 1500 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Cognitive Development-Babies Name: Institution: Cognitive Development-Babies Piaget’s theory of cognitive development Piaget’s theory is guided by four assumptions on how children interact with their surroundings and how they construct information and knowledge: Children are active learners with the ability to construct knowledge from their surroundings; Accommodation and assimilation are the main ways through which children learn (Bruner, 1997); The interaction children have with their social and physical environments plays a key role in their cognitive development; Developments follow stages. Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development This theory puts more emphasis on the role of social interactions and culture…

    • 315 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    A major underlying construct of Piaget’s theory is the idea of natural selection and organism adaptation. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” (1859) as well as his own extensive work as a zoologist, the ideas of assimilation and adaptation are at the very heart of Piaget’s cognitive theory. Piaget believed that humans have dynamic cognitive structures (formed through individual experiences) that help us adapt to a dynamic environment. This learning system promoted by Piaget-- combining biological maturation and empirical experience-- is a direct result of his study of natural selection and philosophy. In John L. Phillips Jr.’s book “The Origins of Intellect,” he poses the idea of the roots of Piaget’s cognitive theory: “a high animal’s behavior… is controlled not only by inputs from its immediate surroundings, but also by mediating processes within the transmission system” (Phillips, 1975, p. 8).…

    • 917 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Although, there were other theorists emerged, who added a new perspective to the constructivist learning theory, the formalization of constructivism was mainly attributed to Piaget (Wills & McEwen, 2014). He underscored that learning is a dynamic process consists of sequential phases of…

    • 1407 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Great Essays

    Constructivist teaching is based on the belief that learning occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of meaning and knowledge construction as opposed to passively receiving information. Learners are the makers of meaning and knowledge. In both cases, the theory of constructivism suggests that learners construct knowledge out of their experiences. However, constructivism is often associated with pedagogic approaches that promote active learning, or learning by doing. The history of constructivism and how it has changed over time, TIn this century, Jean Piaget and John Dewey developed theories of childhood development.…

    • 1482 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Great Essays

    Constructivism is an active, continuous process. Each individual have their own way in constructing their own knowledge. An example of constructivism is when you listen to a lecturer and construct their own knowledge. Educators should construct and assist students, be facilitators not educators. The facilitator should support learners constructing their own knowledge.…

    • 1387 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Constructivism – Jerome Bruner Situated Learning – Jean Lave • Emphasis on processes of coming to know rather than structure of knowledge • Domain dependent individual differences rather than universal stages • Emphasis on the importance of action and problem solving • 3 modes of representation: o Enactive o Iconic o Symbolic • Instruction should concern the experiences and contexts that make students willing and able to learn - interest • Learning as knowledge construction • Learning is in the relationships between people • Educators work so that people can become participants in communities of practice • There is an intimate connection between knowledge and activity • Explanation of how different contexts create and reflect different forms of mental functioning • Explanation of how human action is mediated via context • Learning as legitimate peripheral participation in communities of practice • Learning as situated in practical action • Learning as meaning-making Table 1: Comparison between Bruner’s Constructivism and Lave’s Situated Learning Implication to Learning…

    • 1037 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Three Main Principles of Piaget’s Theory Piaget’s theory of cognitive development was based on three main principles which are assimilation, accommodation and equilibration First it is important to define the term ‘schema’. Schema is a cognitive representation of activities or things (Oakley 2004). For example, when a baby is born it will have an automatic response for sucking in order to ensure that it can feed and therefore grow (Oakley 2004).…

    • 1221 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Ann’s teaching methods illustrate Piaget’s theories through… active development Cognitive development is defined by Duchesne and McMaugh (2016) as a person’s capability to consider, comprehend and evoke the environment that we live in. This is impacted by experiences with physical item and actions, and also though social interaction with people around you. This concept of the capability within children interested Piaget and he sought to identify a universal process of cognitive development through questioning how their thought processes change and evolve from birth through maturation, activity and social transformation (Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016). He focused not just on what the children know, but the particular errors that children make in…

    • 1119 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Piaget’s Developmental Theory Case Study Piaget is one of the most well-known theorists in psychology. While he was working with Alfred Binet he noticed that children of the same age got many of the same questions incorrect. It was during this time that Piaget theorized that humans develop cognitively in four stages; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. As infants we begin in the sensorimotor stage, and chronologically proceed through the stages as we grow and develop with age. Piaget also presented the concept of schemas, which is a way in which we organize information.…

    • 1533 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Jean Piaget developed a theory that children’s thought processes differ from adults. He proved this theory through detailed observations of the development of infants and children. This theory differed from others because it proposed discrete stages of maturation. These stages that Piaget emphasizes demonstrates that there are major differences between the mind of a 3-year-old and of a 9-year-old.…

    • 755 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development Jonathan Kunz National University Abstract This assignment will briefly discuss Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. It will provide a brief history about Piaget as a teenager and his interest on working with children. It will briefly describe the four stages of cognitive development. It will provide examples of children in the Preoperational stage and the Concrete Operational stage in and out of the school setting.…

    • 873 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    It also suggests that learning is a result of practising and repeating something over. This theory is cognitive learning. This theory primarily focuses on behaviours acquired from others, building on their own experiences and knowledge already gained. For a student to learn from another person’s experience, they need to attach it to their own past experiences with similar determinants.…

    • 1165 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Sociocultural Theory Essay

    • 1941 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Sociocultural theory has made a great impact on the learning and teaching process. Vygotsky’s theory advocates that learning is a process where participation in socially mediated activities is essential. This theory argues that social interaction precedes development, consciousness and cognition are the end product of socialization and social behavior. Vygotsky’s theory is one of the foundations of constructivism. (Vygotsky, 1978)…

    • 1941 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Improved Essays