Jean Piaget: 1896-1980

What is the key aspect of Piaget's theory of cognitive development in relation to learning and development?

Development must precede learning.

What is a schema in Piaget's theory?

Units of knowledge organized by a specific way of thinking; the building blocks of knowledge.

What are the two processes involved in adaptation according to Piaget?

Assimilation and accommodation.

During which stage do children begin to develop object permanence?

Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years old).

What is equilibration in the context of cognitive development?

The process that moves cognitive development along, balancing understanding through assimilation and accommodation.

What is the outcome of assimilation in cognitive development?

Incorporating new experiences into existing schemas, thereby enlarging the schema.

What is the primary characteristic of the Preoperational Stage?

Children use language and symbols but are egocentric, thinking everyone sees the world as they do.

What did Piaget's observations reveal about children's thinking?

Children think differently than adults and actively create knowledge.

What does Piaget suggest about the order of his four stages of cognitive development?

Children must complete one stage before moving on to the next, with no skipping or going backwards unless trauma is present.

What is the significance of children as 'little scientists' in Piaget's theory?

Children learn best through discovery learning.