Assumptions of Human Development and Learning

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes cognitive theories, assumptions, propositions and applications of human development and learning. It looks at some of the many ways in which cognitive development can be learned. It then focuses on three assumptions about children and human nature which might be problematic for educators, specifically early childhood educators.

Table of Contents:
Major Assumptions and Propositions
Comparison of Cognitive Theories: Bruner and Vygotsky
Constructivism and the Classroom

From the Paper:

"In the 80s and 90s, a form of information processing theory called connectionism was formulated to describe and predict non-linear thinking. Otherwise known as parallel distributed processing, this theory describes the mind as a large, multiple networks of associations. Each network responds to new experience by becoming either stronger or weaker, and each operating independently of and in parallel with the others (Siefert, 2002). After each experience, relevant networks adapt to better a child's future performance.Balancing a cup of juice, for example, stimulates various sensory associations within a child's hand, arm, and body. Some of these become stronger and others weaker as experience with cups of juice accumulate, but the eventual result an ability to balance a cup (Siefert, 2002). The assumptions supporting connectionism are more compatible with the realities of classroom life. It is noted that learning by children takes place because synchronized learning of separate networks that integrate."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Constructivism in the Classroom. Mathematics Education. Available: http://mathforum.org/mathed/constructivism.html
• Hollyman, D. Jerome Bruner: A Web Overview. Available: http://au.geocities.com/vanunoo/Humannature/bruner.html
• Seifert, K. (2002). Sociable Thinking: Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Education. Contemporary Perspectives on Early Childhood Curriculum, [online]. pp. 15-40. Available: http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~seifert/sociablecognition.paper.html.
• Smith, M. (2002). Jerome Bruner and the Process of Education. InFed Encyclopedia. [online]. Available: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/bruner.htm#process
• Unit 5: Cognitive Development Theories. (2002. January 14).P540: Learning and Cognition. Available: http://education.indiana.edu/~p540/webcourse/develop.html#notes

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• Research Proposal # 53883 : "Individualized Instruction"

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