A Comparative Analysis Of Theories Of Vygotsky And Piaget

Child development refers to change or growth that occurs in children. It starts with infancy and continues through adolescence and it involves the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur. Cognitive development refers to how a person perceives, thinks, and gains understanding of his or her world through the interaction of genetic and learned factors(Children’s Health n.d.). This paper is a comparative analysis of the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget with emphasis on how the role of cultural context in child development is present in each of the theories. An in depth examination of each theory will be completed so as to give a clear understanding of the theories. The paper will also focus on the similarities and differences of the theories. Jean Piaget (1896 - 1980) was a developmental psychologist who introduced the theory of cognitive development in children. Piaget believed that children are born with a basic mental structure from which learning and knowledge is based (Smith, Cowie, Blades, 2003). Piaget believes that a child learns through doing and actively exploring his/her environment. Intellectual development and growth is seen as a process of adaptation or adjustment to the world where the child through the process of accommodation, modifies his/her knowledge when new experiences are gained. These new experiences are incorporated (assimilated) into existing knowledge for a better understanding of the world. This leads to cognitive developmentShow MoreRelatedPiaget s Theory Of Experiential Learning1481 Words   |  6 PagesIn this childhood developmental study, a comparative analysis of the theories of Lee Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and Howard Gardner will be evaluated through the lens of experiential learning. Th rough Vygotsky’s realization of the childhood learning through â€Å"hands-on† experience (experiential learning), the cultural and socioeconomic factors defines the progress a child makes in the individual progression towards growth in the educational system. Piaget beheld similar views on experiential learning inRead MoreEssay on Examining Educational Theorists and Current Practice Today1839 Words   |  8 Pagesnames three educational theorists, Benjamin Bloom, Jean Piaget, and Lev Vygotsky, and seeks to examine their most well-known theories. These are namely, Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development, and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development. Each theory is briefly explained and then compared and contrasted with the other theories. Lastly, the author reflects on the practical application of these theories in a classroom setting, discussing how these philosophiesRead MoreThe Explanation of Vygo tsky and Piaget’s Theories Essay2257 Words   |  10 PagesThere are many assessments of Vygotsky and Jean Piagets work during their lifetimes and deaths. Many of their theories have gone beyond what I am sure that they had expected for them too. Teachers, researchers and parents dabble in their theories of child development, social development and other theories when going about their lives. Whether it is a job or parenting it is a must to know about these two philosophers and what they believed to be real. Piaget is said to be the founder of cognitiveRead MoreSantrock Edpsych Ch0218723 Words   |  75 PagesImportant Periods, and Stages Physical Development and Health Growth in Childhood Pubertal Changes Child Health and Education 32 What Is Language? Biological and Environmental Influences Cognitive Development Piaget’s Theory Vygotsky’s Theory Case’s Neo-Piagetian Theory How Language Develops 02-EdPsy-Chap02-6123 8/22/06 3:33 PM Page 33 N o bubble is so iridescent or floats longer than that blown by the successful teacher. Sir William Osler Canadian Physician, 20th Century TeachingRead MorePsychology Ncert Book 1 Chapter Notes11190 Words   |  45 Pagesminimise such biases in their explanations of behaviour and experience in various ways. Some do so by seeking to make their analysis scientific and objective. Others seek to explain behaviour from the point of view of the experiencing persons because they think that subjectivity is a necessary aspect of human experience. In the Indian tradition, selfreflection and analysis of our conscious experiences, is held to be a major source of psychological understanding. Many western psychologists have also