Cognitive Development

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses theories of cognitive development and states that Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky are two theorists who had different views of cognitive development. The paper then goes on to explore the similarities and differences between these theories and concludes that both theories concern childhood development, so Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories are similar in that respect, but their theories are different in that Vygotsky's emphasizes the need for social interaction and the influence of culture on cognitive development.

From the Paper:

"Vygotsky based his cognitive development theory on the importance of culture, language, and the zone of proximal growth and development. He argues that tools and symbol use are what makes us human: "In terms of development, the thing that separates us from other animals is our use of tools and symbols". According to Vygotsky this is turn is what creates cultures. Cultures greatly influence all of us and help us to grow and develop. Our culture makes language possible and learning a language creates thought. When children begin to develop, so does their language. When children learn to speak, they develop a thought process. Language directs a child's behavior."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cole, M., John-Steiner, V., Scriber, S. & Souberman, E., eds. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
• Driscoll, M. P. (1994). Psychology of learning for instruction. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
• Hausfather, S. J., (1996). Vygotsky and schooling: Creating a social context for learning. Action in Teacher Education. (18) 1-10.
• Lefrancois, G. R. (1994). Psychology for teaching. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
• Plotnik. (2005). Developmental psychology: Cognitive development.in the PSI cafe. Retrieved 25 October 2006 from http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/Areas/Developmental/CogDev-Child

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