Learning Theories and Cognitive Development

Learning Theories and Cognitive Development Vygotsky, Bruner, and Dienes share the cognitive viewpoint of learning. Lev Vygotsky, a constructive theorist, viewed social and cognitive development as working jointly while building on each other. One of Vygotskys major contributions to understanding child development, is the concept of the zone of proximal development (Mooney, 2013). Vygotsky believed this concept to be the difference between what a child can accomplish on his own, and what he can do with the assistance of a teacher or peer. In conjunction with the zone of proximal development, scaffolding is vital to a childs development. In Vygotskys view, scaffolding is instrumental in the childs development of knowledge and skills (Shemmar Al-Thani, 2015). Vygotsky advocated for observation in promoting a childs development. Teachers become familiar with a childs development through listening and watching his behavior, in this way, a greater degree of learning occurs as the teacher is aware of what the student knows, and can relate it to learning new concepts. In Vygotskys view, social interaction promotes individualized thinking. Concerned with the process of learning and instruction, Jerome Bruners theory supports children learning through guidance and support. Similar to Vygotsky, Bruner believed instructional scaffolding to be vital to a childs cognitive development. In Bruners view, any student can be taught any subject regardless of his stage of development, given support is provided in the right way, at the right time (Choudhry, 2013). An advocate for discovery learning, Bruner believed learning to be an active process. Learners create new ideas or concepts based on existing knowledge. Bruners theory of learning was based on children learning through three phases of cognitive development in which he or she progresses: the enactive phase, iconic stage, and the symbolic mode (Choudhry, 2013). Focusing primarily on mathematics, Zoltan Dienes theory of learning includes applying teaching practices that consider childrens learning styles, and the rate their learning occurs (Gningue, 2016). Dienes theory includes the use of manipulative materials, games and stories. He believed at an earlier age than previously thought, children can comprehend complicated math concepts than previously assumed. Per Dienes theory, mastering a new concept is a process that evolves over time, and involves the child progressing through stages, or cycles of learning (Gningue, 2016). Vygotsky, Bruner, and Dienes Versus Piaget The work of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget are often compared because they both acknowledged the participation of individuals in constructing knowledge; however, there are also differences in their schools of thought. Central to Piagets theory, cognitive development follows four universal stages, in which more sophisticated, and abstract thought increases. Piagets theory holds that stages occur in the same order, building on knowledge gained from the previous stage, and grouped according to age in which the childs abilities are classified. Vygotsky took the position that through adult assistance, a child is gradually capable of performing tasks without assistance. Development is a result of the childs interaction with assimilation and accommodation in which a balance between preexisting concepts and new information is attained, and new knowledge is constructed (Choudhry, 2013). Piaget thought that a child is actively involved in his learning, and learning was a result of the childs int eraction with his environment. Vygotsky also considered children as active participants in their learning; however, he focused on the impact of social interaction and language on a childs cognitive development, and believed personal and social experiences cannot be separated (Mooney, 2013). Another similarity of Vygotsky and Piaget, is their view on the importance of play in a childs development and learning. In contrast to Piagets stage theory of a childs development, Bruner believed children could learn any subject with the support and guidance of an adult. Bruner, like Piaget, saw children as actively involved in their learning process. Similar to Piagets stages, Bruners theory also consisted of phases of development in which children progress as they learn and develop. However, Bruners modes were interrelated, unlike Piagets specifically defined stages. Unlike Piaget, Dienes focused primarily on childrens learning and development of mathematical concepts. Dienes theory involves progressive stages to learning math, much like Piagets theory of cognitive development. Piaget proposed that children learn best from concrete activities, similarly Dienes theory also emphasized the importance of children learning through the use of manipulative materials (Gningue, 2016). Additional Theorists John Dewey was instrumental in developing theories regarding young childrens learning and development. In agreement with Piaget and Vygotsky, Dewey saw the child as an active part of his learning process, and learning as child centered, and interactive (Mooney, 2013). Dewey believe the childs social world and community to be vital to his development. Dewey emphasized the role of the teacher in observing students to understand what kind of experiences they were interested in, and plan curriculum to help children understand his or her world. Maria Montessori developed a child centered approach to learning. She believed children learn skills, including language, naturally from his or her environment, and placed emphasis on preparation of the learning environment (Mooney, 2013). Montessoris work suggests that the most critical time of learning is during the first years of life, and learning comes through manipulation of the environment and training of the senses (Platz Arellano, 2011). Montessoris curriculum was based on the philosophy that educators should be passive but provide guidance as children are active participants in their learning process. John Locke saw children as a blank slate in their nature and ability to learn (Platz Arellano, 2011). Childrens nature and learning are influenced by their environment, and their early experiences had a lasting effect on their future. Locke also saw children as individuals who should be raised based on their individuality and taught according to their individual needs (Platz Arellano, 2011). Lockes view supports teaching children to read as soon as they learn to speak. Credited with the development of kindergarten curriculum, Froebel saw the importance of using play as a teaching strategy for young children. Froebels play curriculum did not include instruction on reading, writing, or counting (Platz Arellano, 2011). Play, games, and songs are vital to developing attitudes of cooperation and self-control in children. Froebel believed block play to be essential in child development as it represented the building blocks of the universe (Platz Arellano, 2011). References Choudhry, M. (2013). Constructivism: Way to new learning. International Journal of Education and Management Studies, 3(2), 276-284. Gningue, S. M. (2016). Remembering Zoltan Dienes, a Maverick of Mathematics Teaching and Learning: Applying the Variability Principles to Teach Algebra. International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning, 17(2). Retrieved from http://www.cimt.org.uk/ijmtl/index.php/IJMTL/article/view/17 Platz D. and Arellano, J. (2011) Time tested early childhood theories and practices. Education. 32(1), 54-61. Retrieved from https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-269228798/time-tested-early-childhood-theories-and-practices

Fiction Vs. Non-Fiction Essay

Literary form of writing is held to be exemplary because it is noticed due to its imaginary nature while others less straightforward forms try to cover their fictionality. The logic here is antirealist, skeptical and pragmatist. A complex case for this line of consideration might run as follows. At first a more or less common stand is set up starting with uncomplicated design of fiction, in both its description and object senses. According to this suggestion a patent divide subsists between imaginative literature, when defined in expressions of fiction creation and other conversations whose intention is not creation but description. Imaginative literature builds imaginary worlds which, although no doubt drawn from features of the existent world, are nonetheless explicitly constructs of the brain. The non-fiction, more ‘serious’ literature is not concerned with imaginary units but with the actual thing. They are evaluated not in terms of imagination but in terms of reality or association with the reality. Fiction versus fact becomes the crucial characteristic that marks off imaginative literature (Lamarque & Olsen 172). Despite there being multiple literary ‘genres’ it appears a bit odd that writing is essentially separated into just two large categories: non-fiction and fiction. Contemporary writers sometimes get a bit of information from each of these groups and form â€Å"historical science fiction† or â€Å"historical fiction† (Heller, 123). Works cited Heller, Clark Von. ESL Doxography 101. West Conshohocken: Buy Books on the web, 2006. Lamarque, Peter, Olsen, Stein Haugom. Truth, fiction, and literature: a philosophical perspective. New York:   Oxford University Press, 1996

Looking Glass Self Essay

In the most basic terms the Looking Glass self is your self image which is formed by the views others hold of you. These views the people around you have can have either a positive or negative effect on your self imagine. First we picture how our personality and appearance will come off to others, and then we think about how they will judge our personality and appearance. As people around us pass judgment on who we are this is when our self-concept develops, basically who we think we are and how we feel about ourselves as a whole. These judgments’ can have a powerful effect on ones beliefs and feelings about themselves. I’ve felt and been effected by the beliefs another person has about me. When I was in the 8th grade I thought I was a wonderful student, smart, well behaved. I felt as though my teachers all thought the same way. Then one day my homeroom teacher called me stupid for missing a homework assignment. To be called out in front of the class like that was horrifying. Though that wasn’t the only time an incidence like that occurred. In the 9th grade I struggled with math. I did poorly on tests, I already lacked confidence in the subject and it took one day with a substitute teacher to shatter it completely. I will never forget the words she said to me â€Å"Why can’t you finish the test? Are you stupid? † As child of any age, those words are damaging to the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think others perceive you. â€Å"Tell a child he’s stupid enough times and eventually he’ll start believing you, claims Benj Vardigan, with the Behavioral Institute. When a child makes mistakes or doesn’t understand a concept, his knee-jerk reaction may be to conclude that he’s stupid. Take that one step further and watch a child stop trying to understand or stop trying to learn a concept because he automatically assumes he can’t figure it out. † (Hatter) In A Class Divided on of the first examples of looking glass self that I picked up on was when the children came back in from recess after fighting. Mrs. Elliot asks â€Å"What’s wrong with being called brown eyes? † and a little  boy, Roy, says â€Å"It means we’re stupider and – well, not that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It’s immediate how the effect of this experiment took hold. These children took to heart what their teacher, Mrs. Elliot had said, that brown eyed children are less than blue eyed children, they aren’t as smart or as well behaved. In the first day of the lesson the effects on their peers perception of them had caused so much turmoil that it caused one child to hit another, clearly the negative aspect of looking glass. In the Teaching Adults section, Mrs. Elliott describes how she gave tests before during and after the lesson on discrimination. Telling the audience that the student test scores raise on the day they are on top, scores drop when they are on the bottom and after the experiment the children’s testing scores maintain a higher level. She attributed this to the children discovering how good they are. I believe instilling a positive self-imagine in a child is one of the most important things a parent, or teacher can do. â€Å"Whether self-concept is positive or negative can influence important areas of a child’s development and achievement. Educators have recognized that there is a link between self-concept and performance in school. Students with a strong self-concept tend to have good grades and take an active role in school. They are able to accept challenges and enjoy new learning experiences. Students with a negative self-concept tend to have both attitude and behavior problems. They may be unwilling to try new things, because they believe they will fail anyway, or they may not work up to their potential. Some educators feel that a positive self-concept is so important that children need to be taught to like themselves before they are taught academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. † (Myers-Walls and Hinkley)

Dr. Leon Pinsker s Life - 1609 Words

Ben Jacobson Jewish Studies Dr. Leon Pinsker was a Zionist pioneer and activist. His views over time changed based on his experiences. At first, he believed that Jews can assimilate and be part of a nation if equal rights were granted. He believed the Jews were one people, but not one nation. He said, â€Å"They home everywhere, but are nowhere a home... The Jews are not a nation because they lack a certain distinctive national character, inherent to all other nations, which is formed by common residence in a single state.† However, over time he began to realize this was not reality. After seeing the Jews discriminated against he realized that Jews needed their own homeland. Equality in a foreign nation was not possible. He adds â€Å"Among the†¦show more content†¦Observing shabbat, studying text, celebrating holidays helps define our jewish identity. Being Jewish is not by name only but in the practice of our traditions. We are a culture deeply rooted in the past and the practice of these traditions in the present. When it comes to Israel, Yoffie believes in a state that is democratic, and offers â€Å"equal rights to all those who permanently reside within its borders†. The two state solution is the only answer and those who support it are rightfully granting equal rights to their Arab inhabitants and support democracy without reservations. Yoffie says the state must be Jewish and hold a secure jewish majority, so that her citizens can experience what it truly means to be jewish in the holy land. A Jewish state without being the majority would negate the concept of establishing a Jewish democratic state. A Jewish state where Jews are the majority would promote the values of a Jewish nation. This would include the religion and culture of the Jewish people, would allow Jews to sing a jewish national anthem, have jewish holidays represent the rhythm to the calendar, and to have a place where the jews can openly use their jewish values and spirit in their daily life. The Jews would no longe r struggle in being the minority. Rabbi Yoffie states that the precise nature of a Jewish nation has yer has yet to be defined and will evolve over time. It will evolve over time