Problem: Piaget and Vygotsky
Filmed in 1996, this program examines the work of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, illuminating the similarities of and differences between their contributions to a greater understanding of the cognitive development of young children.
Growing minds: Cognitive development in early childhood [Video file]. (1996). In Alexander Street (Access is provided by SUNY Empire University). A descriptive transcript is available. [24:19]
In our reading and the Growing Minds video, we learned that Piaget and Vygotsky had opposing views on development and learning. Piaget suggested that development must precede learning while Vygotsky argued that learning must precede development. Piaget assumed that cognitive processes function in similar ways across cultures and that the nature and development of thinking have universal qualities. Vygotsky's theoretical ideas stand in sharp contrast to these claims. He believed that the context of culture is important in cognitive development.
Discussion thread 150 words
What does it mean to say that both Piaget and Vygotsky were "constructivists"? Need Assignment Help?
Do you agree that the development of thinking has universal qualities? Back up your opinion with examples from your own experience.
Think about what abilities are valued by the cultural group that you grew up with. Are they the same as the ones in another cultural context? Discuss how cultural context influence one's cognitive development.
Provide an example of how each of these theories could be applied in a classroom.