Cognitive Development Learning Theories

Have you ever wondered how students learn? Well, there are many learning theorists that have proposed the process in which one acquires new knowledge and each one significantly contributes to the process of cognitive development. Read Chapter 2 of our text to gain a greater understanding of cognitive development that provides teachers with the knowledge of creating developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom. In analyzing the implications of cognitive development on student learning, choose one of the following questions:

Chapter 2: Socioemotional and Cognitive Development

a.    Describe Piaget's answers for the primary biological questions he asked: How do children adapt?How can development be classified? Next, share whether or not you agree with Piaget. Then, describe the value for teachers in understanding Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development. Apply this to your own role as a future educator.

b.   Give an example of what is meant by Vygotsky's zone of proximal development (ZPD). Explain how your example fully illustrates your understanding of ZPD. Also, describe at least two educational implications of this concept. Use the concept of scaffolding in your answer.

Below are some tips to help you succeed!

In addition to reading these tips, review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for more information about what I'll be looking for in your discussion responses.

For this discussion response:

• Choose prompt a or prompt b.

• If you choose prompt a:

• Discuss how Piaget believes that children adapt

• Explain Piaget's stages of development

• Discuss whether or not you agree with Piaget's theories

• Explain why it can be valuable for teachers to understand Piaget's theories

• Discuss how your understanding of Piaget's theories could help you when you become an educator

• If you choose prompt b:

• Develop and share a detailed example of Vygotsky's zone of proximal development (ZPD)

• Explain how this example illustrates ZPD

• Discuss two things that you will do as an educator to take advantage of your understanding of ZPD

• Explain the concept of scaffolding

• For either prompt, provide examples from your personal or professional life as you respond to the questions or topics.

Be sure to:

• Clearly state your answer to each question from the prompt you selected.

• Provide evidence for your answers. (You can use quotes from scholarly sources and personal or professional experiences.)

• Review your post for grammatical errors.

• Cite references following the APA style guidelines.