Theories on Human Learning and Cognitive Development in Young Children

From the day they are born, children are immersed in a social world. Rapid learning takes place and is supported not only by parents, siblings, teachers and friends but also the important values and beliefs within their culture. All of this provides the foundations for cognitive development. As trainee teachers, it is fundamental that we have a deeper understanding of how children learn and how we can support learning. In order to do this we must first look at some of the theories of learning.

The cognitive developmental theory comes from the work and research done by Jean Piaget which we believe is an empiricist approach which goes hand and hand with Piaget’s constructive approach. Empiricism is a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. The constructive approach is viewed as children discovering all knowledge about the world through their own learning and knowledge. According to Piaget, children pass through these stages at different times in their lives and cannot skip a stage which causes them to be seen as invariant.

Developmental psychology recognizes three main models of psychosocial and cognitive development. The first theory, presented by developmental psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget, addresses cognitive development. The second theory, presented by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, focuses on the development of morality. The third theory, proposed by developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, outlines psychosocial development. All three theories are applicable from birth to death.

Discuss the concept of ‘constructivism’ (from Piaget’s theory of cognitive development). Use a mix of theory and research to back up your ideas about whether or not the child constructs his/her own development.

This assignment will discuss the main theories of child development and discuss the main principles across all area of development. The assignment will also evaluate an observation conducted on a child and link their behaviour to relevant child development theories. The assignment will firstly highlight some child development theories from behaviourists such as Bandura, humanists such as Maslow and constructivists such as Piaget. Secondly the child’s observation will be discussed and evaluated here relevant link to development theories will be made. Lastly the assignment will finish off with a reflection. Jennie Lindon defines development as” the sequence of physical and psychological changes experienced by human beings, which start with conception and continue throughout life.”(Jennie Lindon 2012:5) the early year’s foundation stage (EYTS) framework states that there are seven areas of learning and development however they view some are more important these are called the prime areas of development. There are three prime areas of development these are: communication and language, physical development, personal social and emotional development. The EYFS also states that “children develop in different ways at different times” (Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage 2014) which is why the development matters promote the message that every child is unique and has their own way of learning. (Development matters in the Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2012)

Children are born with the ability to control their basic physical functioning, such as breathing, sucking, heart rate and controlling body temperature

My first award is my Kindergarten certificate. My emotional development was impacted the most because I learned so much my first year of school it’s just a jumble of feelings. I learned how to make friends. I also learned how to draw, read, and write. Kindergarten taught me so much and I had so much fun, I wish I never had to leave.

Children of involved fathers are also more likely to live in cognitively encouraging homes. Cognitive Development is a field of study in neuroscience and psychology, focusing on a children’s development in terms of information processing, conceptual resources, perceptual skill, language learning, and other aspects of brain development and cognitive psychology compared to an adult’s point of view(Schacter, Daniel L, 2009). Even a child’s cognitive development during early childhood, which includes building skills such as pre-reading, language, vocabulary, and numeracy. So cognitive development is important to grow those skills (Rohner, R. P., Veneziano, R. A., 2001). This development is a strong connection between the development children undergoes early in their life and the success that the children will experience later in life. Infants of highly involved fathers, as measured by amount of integration, including higher levels of play and Caregiving activities. By one year they continue to have higher cognitive functioning are better problem solvers as toddlers and have higher IQ’s by age three (Yogman Kidlan, Earls, 1995). The father is more encouraged toddlers to talk more, use more diverse vocabulary, and produce longer utterances when interacting with their fathers, because toddlers are characterized by more wh-(e.g. “what”, “where” etc.) questions for father than mother (Rowe, Cocker & Pan ,2004). A father’s academic support was positively

Reflection Journal #1: Chapter Two: Cognitive Development Description: (who, what, when, where, and how) The focus of reading and discussion in EDAT 6115 this week was on cognitive development. Each student develops differently and at different rates. In order to be an effective teacher, we must be able to recognize how students think and develop and understand how they view the world around them.

There are many reasons why the environment that preschool children are brought up upon drastically affect their cognitive abilities. The inner and outer circle of the child’s surroundings affect their ability to develop their emotional intelligence, cognitive skills, and linguistic potential. Specifically, the difference in living in poor or affluent communities will immensely establish how preschool children cognitive abilities will emerge. Preschoolers who lived in underprivileged neighborhoods will have slower development in intellect than that of a well off community. The major factors that lead to these distinctions of intellectual advancement are poverty, education, and community values.

The first stage of the cognitive development theory is the sensorimotor stage. This stage lasts approximately from birth to the age of two and is focused on how the infant understands the world around them (Cherry, K., 2015, May 27). During the sensorimotor stage, infants lack object permanence, which is the awareness that objects and people continue to exist even if they are out of sight (Feldman, R., 2013, p. 418). The infants will also gain knowledge and experience the world through their senses and motor

Cognitive development will be supported by children being able to focus on thinking. The lesson will demonstrate children’s’ understanding identifying and naming which flower is taller and which flower shorter as well as comparing two flowers. The lesson enhances student’s eagerness and curiosity to learn new things and have new experiences.

Throughout this research paper the topic that will be discussed is the Cognitive Development in children in the age group around 2-6. The topics that will be covered in this research paper are the physical growths and dangers, Jean Paiget and his views on cognitive development, friendships in the age groups 2-6, and cognitive changes. “Cognitive Psychology is the theory of human development that focuses on the development of thinking and thoughts that shape people 's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.”

Cognitive development is described by the way a kid learns, secures information and interfaces with his encompassing surroundings. The best way to encourage cognitive development in three year olds is to have activities involving social play, such as dramatic play props and dress-up clothes, art materials for collaborative projects, and toys. MS. Mark can also can Practice Shapes and Colors. Identify shapes and colors when interacting with your child by showing objects around the classroom. Picture books with even more words and more detailed pictures than toddler books. Technology that can use for in Mr. Mark class is record children’s stories about their drawings or their play; make digital audio or video files to document their progress

There are many different things that shape the cognitive development of children. To begin with cognitive development is when a child develops how to process, solve problems, and start making decisions. Once they have learned this they take everything they have learned into their adolescence. An example, of what can shape the cognitive development of a child can be an educational game. Educational games can be very useful in shaping a child’s development because they are having fun while learning at the same time and what kid doesn’t like to play games, the fact that it is even educational makes it even better for them. Not only are they having fun but there are many different games that help in different categories of development in