Jean and Lev Having a strong foundational knowledge of the forefathers of the early childhood educational field and background will allow for more substantiated thoughts and understanding of research, developments and innovations.
Piaget and Vygotsky’s theories
Is there a strong need to have an understanding about Piaget/Vygotsky and their theories with all of the research and knowledge that has come about since their time? Simply put, yes. Lourenço (2012) highlights just how instrumental they were to the field of early childhood education. Understanding how one learns at a most primitive state was the life work of these two gentlemen. There may be clarity for some in the differences of the two theories as well as there may be clarity in …show more content…
Granted it is much deeper than just the basic understanding of how we learn none the less this is where my level of comprehension guided me. The difference is one of autonomy and heteronomy. (Lourenço, 2012). The way I view it in my head is the difference between a Montessori and a childcare that provides a balance of teacher guided experiences. A child may gain understanding through natural consequences which from my perspective is how I understand Piaget’s theory. Equally a child can be given tools or surrounded with tools that would peak their curiosity. Additionally, they can be asked open ended questions that will allow for further cause and effect learning experiences which will add to their understanding of how the world around them operates. I don’t believe that autonomically a child can learn about the feeling of other just because that child has or experience those same feelings. For example, yes, I can be sad and feel and embrace all that comes with it but the Vygotsky perspective I have is to introduce another child who is cry (no when I am of course) and from there and understanding of empathy can come about or the ability to process the facial expressions, pitch of cry and gestures of the crying child. Piaget’s …show more content…
I think understanding these theories allows for educator and those in this feel to further cater to and teach/influence the whole child and everyone they come into contact with i.e. teachers and parents. There is an understanding that everyone learns differently and it is o.k. The company I work for Bright Horizons reminds us to not ask ourselves how smart is this child but how is this child smart (Exchange Magazine, 2009). We meet them where they are and not where we think they should be. When you gain more understanding your perspective becomes more broadened.
Conclusion
We have touched on the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky looking at differences and similarities as well as what can be gained through acquiring this knowledge. I understand the theories through the differences. All in all the theories fuse together to create a team that at any given time someone can lean on to gain understanding or support with an idea. A strong foundation in the history of how children learn will better prepares those hoping to establish a career in education.
References
Exchange Magazine. (2009). Exchange Magazine. Redmond. Exchange
Piaget and Vygotsky’s theories
Is there a strong need to have an understanding about Piaget/Vygotsky and their theories with all of the research and knowledge that has come about since their time? Simply put, yes. Lourenço (2012) highlights just how instrumental they were to the field of early childhood education. Understanding how one learns at a most primitive state was the life work of these two gentlemen. There may be clarity for some in the differences of the two theories as well as there may be clarity in …show more content…
Granted it is much deeper than just the basic understanding of how we learn none the less this is where my level of comprehension guided me. The difference is one of autonomy and heteronomy. (Lourenço, 2012). The way I view it in my head is the difference between a Montessori and a childcare that provides a balance of teacher guided experiences. A child may gain understanding through natural consequences which from my perspective is how I understand Piaget’s theory. Equally a child can be given tools or surrounded with tools that would peak their curiosity. Additionally, they can be asked open ended questions that will allow for further cause and effect learning experiences which will add to their understanding of how the world around them operates. I don’t believe that autonomically a child can learn about the feeling of other just because that child has or experience those same feelings. For example, yes, I can be sad and feel and embrace all that comes with it but the Vygotsky perspective I have is to introduce another child who is cry (no when I am of course) and from there and understanding of empathy can come about or the ability to process the facial expressions, pitch of cry and gestures of the crying child. Piaget’s …show more content…
I think understanding these theories allows for educator and those in this feel to further cater to and teach/influence the whole child and everyone they come into contact with i.e. teachers and parents. There is an understanding that everyone learns differently and it is o.k. The company I work for Bright Horizons reminds us to not ask ourselves how smart is this child but how is this child smart (Exchange Magazine, 2009). We meet them where they are and not where we think they should be. When you gain more understanding your perspective becomes more broadened.
Conclusion
We have touched on the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky looking at differences and similarities as well as what can be gained through acquiring this knowledge. I understand the theories through the differences. All in all the theories fuse together to create a team that at any given time someone can lean on to gain understanding or support with an idea. A strong foundation in the history of how children learn will better prepares those hoping to establish a career in education.
References
Exchange Magazine. (2009). Exchange Magazine. Redmond. Exchange