Piaget and Vygotsky's Theories of Development

A set of flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to Piaget and Vygotsky's theories of cognitive development.

Cognitive Development

The process by which children learn to think, reason, and understand the world.

Constructivist Theory

A theory suggesting that learners construct knowledge through active experiences.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks that a learner can perform with assistance but not yet independently.

Scaffolding

Temporary support provided to help a learner master a task.

Assimilation

The process of fitting new information into existing cognitive schemas.

Accommodation

The process of modifying cognitive schemas to incorporate new information.

Equilibration

The balance between assimilation and accommodation that leads to learning.

Private Speech

Self-directed speech used by children to regulate their behavior and thoughts.

Cultural Context

The environment and culture in which a learner is situated, influencing their development.

Intersubjectivity

Shared understanding and mutual agreement in a social learning context.

Discontinuous Development

A perspective that development occurs in distinct stages.

Continuous Development

A perspective that development is a gradual and ongoing process.

Egocentrism

The inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others.

Active Learning

An approach where learners engage in the learning process through activities.

Curiosity

A key motivator in learning, driving individuals to explore and learn.

Collaboration

Working together with others to achieve shared learning goals.

Biological Readiness

The concept that certain developmental skills can only be acquired when the individual is biologically ready.

Learning Motivation

The reasons or incentives that drive an individual to learn.

Educational Implications

The practical applications of learning theories in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.

Cognitive Stage

The level of cognitive development at which a learner operates, influencing learning strategies.

Symbolic Thought

The ability to use symbols, such as language, to represent objects, concepts, and ideas.

Active Explorer

A learner who interacts with their environment to construct understanding.