Piaget And Vygotsky: The Ideas Of Cognitive Development

At three-years-old Mateo was fearful of Santa Claus, worried that his shadow was following him, and though that all adults knew his name. In addition, he knew his ABCs and how to count to ten. By the time he was eight-years-old, his view on Santa had completely reversed, he was no longer worried that his shadow was following him instead he made shadow puppets with his hands, and he could debate with his friends without getting upset. Additionally, he could read simple text and do simple math. There are different theories used to explain cognitive development. Two such theorists are Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. The following paragraphs will address the main ideas of Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories, what each theorist believed the adult role is in cognitive development, an explanation of Mateo’s development via Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, an explanation of the differences between the two theories, and a summary of my own …show more content…
Prior to studying about Piaget and Vygotsky, I believed that children have different stages of development and that the adults in their lives have a duty to guide them and teach them the appropriate information for that stage of development. I continue to hold that belief, even more so now that I have had an opportunity to have an in-depth look at both theories. At any age, it is logically for the child to associate new experiences with known experiences. Mateo was probably taught to stay away from strangers and here is a stranger wearing clothes unlike he has ever seen, trying to talk to him, and have him sit on his lap. That must be a rather frightening experience. As Mateo ages the adults in his life teach him that everyone loves Santa because he brings gifts to all the children all over the world on Christmas eve. The more exposure Mateo has to the character of Santa and the beliefs about Santa, his fear melts