Theory of Cognitive Development
The Theory of Cognitive Development was first suggested by Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget (1896-1980). Piaget theorized as humans age they become capable of more complex understanding. The ages associated with more sophisticated reasoning are not fixed, but, all humans go through all of the stages in the same order.
To effectively teach, the stage of the learner must be understood. The chart below suggests chronological human ages and the corresponding level of cognitive acheivement.
Classroom Example:
All students benefit from free-play and hands-on activities.
The early elementary classroom should provide many opportunities for free-play. Children can sort objects by one attribute, such as color. Books use vocabulary easily understood by a young child. And directions should be very simple.
Older elementary students are capable of more defined and complex thought. Hands-on activities encourage formal, concrete, and abstract analysis. Classification skills will expand to include several attributes. Vocabulary will increase, and become specific and refined. And individuals will learn to follow complex directions.
