Cognitive and Motor Development: Piaget and Vygotsky

Jean Piaget

Pioneer of cognitive development theory.

Genetic Epistemology

Study of knowledge development through genetics.

Constructivist

Belief that knowledge is constructed through experiences.

Nature and Nurture

Interaction of genetics and environment in development.

Schemas

Mental frameworks for organizing information.

Assimilation

Integrating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Modifying schemas to incorporate new information.

Equilibrium

State of balance between schemas and reality.

Discontinuity

Development occurs in distinct, hierarchical stages.

Qualitative Change

Fundamental shifts in cognitive abilities.

Invariant Sequence

Fixed order of developmental stages.

Sensorimotor Stage

Birth to 2 years; knowledge through sensory experiences.

Preoperational Stage

2 to 7 years; symbolic representation and egocentrism.

Concrete Operations Stage

7 to 12 years; logical reasoning about concrete objects.

Formal Operations Stage

12 years and up; abstract and systematic thinking.

Piaget's A-Not-B Task

Test for object permanence in infants.

Three-Mountain Task

Test for egocentrism in children.

Conservation Concept

Understanding that quantity remains unchanged despite changes.

Lev Vygotsky

Proponent of sociocultural theory of cognitive development.

Scaffolding

Support provided to help learners achieve tasks.

Zone of Proximal Development

Difference between what learners can do alone and with help.

Guided Participation

Learning through social interaction and collaboration.

Educational Implications

Practical applications of theories in teaching methods.