Theory of Cognitive Development Jean Piaget 1896-1980 Theory of Cognitive Development

Philosopher Jean Piaget

Four Stages of Development Sensorimotor (Ages birth to 2) Pre-Operational (Ages 2 to 7) Concrete Operational (Ages 7 to 11) Formal Operational (Ages 11 to adulthood)

Piaget’s Theories Based on biological maturation, therefore, a focus on readiness is important. Readiness concerns when certain information or concepts should be taught.

How does this relate to memorizing the poems? Two Processes: Assimilation and Accommodation Assimilation: Requires students to use what they already know. This is prior knowledge of a given topic. This is brain power in which you feel comfortable fitting new information. Accommodation: Requires students to change or form entirely new brain power for fitting new information. This process can make you feel uncomfortable, cause self-doubt, and academic anxiety.

Is it okay for the processes of assimilation and accommodation to be in conflict? Why? Yes. Assimilation and accommodation must be in conflict to learn new information. Piaget calls this balance an “equilibration”.

Equilibration The balance of applying prior knowledge (what you already know-assimilation) with changing knowledge or entirely new knowledge (accommodation) in order to achieve intellectual growth. IN OTHER WORDS, ASSIMILATION AND ACCOMMODATION MUST BE IN CONSTANT CONFLICT.

How can I best understand all of this…? Prior knowledge is not static knowledge. This means that what you already know will eventually change. New knowledge will simply replace “old knowledge” due to the balanced processes (equilibration) of assimilation and accommodation.

Dr. Abydos’ Observation The problem that I see is too many students’ process of assimilation in conflict with the teacher. Remember, assimilation (prior knowledge) must be in conflict with accommodation (new knowledge that you must learn). The goal must always be intellectual growth. Being in conflict with the teacher will never produce intellectual growth. The teacher must be able to help students balance the processes of assimilation and accommodation because neither process can remain static (frozen). Many students limit themselves to the process of assimilation because they are not focused on academic growth.

A: You do not achieve intellectual growth. Q: What happens if I do not balance what I already know with new information that I must learn? A: You do not achieve intellectual growth.