Cognitive Theory

Jean Piaget is the founder of cognitive development theory. Essentially, this theory identifies four stages in cognitive development.

Senorimotor stage (Infancy) ~ intelligence is demonstrated through motor activity Pre-operational stage (Toddler and early childhood) ~ intelligence is demonstrated through the use of symbols, some language, imagination and memory. Concrete operational stage (Elementary and early adolescence) ~ intelligence is demonstrated through logical and systematic thought processes. Formal Operational Stage (Adolescence and adulthood) ~ intelligence is demonstrated through logical use of symbols related to abstract concepts.

For learning to occur, individuals must move through each cognitive state sequentially. In order to move out of a stage, the learner had to either assimilate (using or transforming the environment so that it can be placed in existing cognitive structures) or accommodate (changing cognitive structures in order to accept something) to the environment.

Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development acknowledges an individual's current level of development and his/her potential level of development. Based on this theory, teachers are encouraged to provide the tools and support to a learner to solve a problem, carry out a task and/or achieve a goal which would not have been possible unassisted.

Adult Learning Implications:

Both theories address cognitive abilities. According to Piaget, in order to teach adults and reach them, the adults must have entered the formal operational stage. Vygotsky encourages the adult learner to be challenged beyond their current abilities within their zone of proximal development so that the student can learn more and internalize the information.

Resources:

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development ~ www.funderstanding.com/piaget.cfm

An examination of Cognitivism: The Psychology of Knowledge and Strategies ~ www.duq.edu/~tomei/ed711psy/c_vygot.htm

Driscoll, M. (2000). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. 2nd Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.