You may ask, "What is this cognitive developmental theory that everyone talks about?"
Well, cognitive development is the study of how our thought process changes as we age, gradually and orderly. Cognitive development theories form the roots of the educational philosophy known as "constructivism."
Constructivism: According to Bredekamp (2014), constructivism is a "learning theory derived from the word of Jean Piaget; assumes that children actively build their knowledge from firsthand experiences in stimulating environments." (p. 110)
Piaget viewed children as curious, little scientists who naturally ponder about how the world truly works. Bredekamp (2014) provides an example of how Piaget did his word and how a young child thinks (p.111):
Well, cognitive development is the study of how our thought process changes as we age, gradually and orderly. Cognitive development theories form the roots of the educational philosophy known as "constructivism."
Constructivism: According to Bredekamp (2014), constructivism is a "learning theory derived from the word of Jean Piaget; assumes that children actively build their knowledge from firsthand experiences in stimulating environments." (p. 110)
Piaget viewed children as curious, little scientists who naturally ponder about how the world truly works. Bredekamp (2014) provides an example of how Piaget did his word and how a young child thinks (p.111):
Piaget: Where does the wind come from?
Ost (age 4): From outside.
Piaget: How is it made outside?
Ost: By the motor cars.
Piaget: What else can make the wind?
Ost: Bicycles, trams, carts, dust.
Piaget: What else?
Ost: When you blow, when you sweep.
The dialogue demonstrates Piaget's major idea that children develop their own thoughts and ideas on how the world works. These theories are tested by experience.
Explore this site to learn more about Jean Piaget, how development occurs, the stages of development, the debates of Piaget's theory, and his contributions to psychology.