The psychologists highlighted this week researched and developed their theories many years ago. Since then, new information and thinking about child development and learning has emerged. For example, there is currently an ongoing debate about the role that language plays in cognitive development and learning. Piaget believed that a child's self-directed speech reflects his or her mental activity and does not play a role in cognitive development. Vygotsky, on the other hand, believed that children's speech helps them solve problems, plan strategies, and control their behavior. Think about the role that language capabilities have had in your own development and learning and consider which of these theories you agree with.
Then consider what you have learned from this week's reading about Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories of development.
Post one of the following:
- How your thoughts about the role language plays in children's cognitive development and learning is more in sync with those of Piaget or Vygotsky.
- What you believe is the greatest contribution of either or both theorists with regard to understanding how children learn.