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Learning patterns - outside in or inside out?

by Renee

Mar 31, 2011

iaget’s approach to development follows a stage-like process and emphasizes the importance of a child’s active discovery. Vygotsky, however, is more concerned with the influence of socio-cultural contexts and the active role of the child within such circumstances.Piaget focuses on the biological drive whereas Vygotsky argues that the environment can alter and influence a person.

In relation to these two theories, what developmental process do you believe an infant goes through when they are learning to crawl then walk?

Now imagine there was no adult presence when an infant begins learning how to walk. Do you think that child would ever know how to walk if they had never witnessed anyone carrying out the action?

This highlights the crucial impact an educator has in regards to a child’s development. With this in mind, can you identify how your teaching methods influenced by which theory you personal believe in?

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Schari I believe you said you are a student? These questions sound like professor issued questions - like an assignment. If so, I am interested in knowing the answers you came up with to these questions. Please share. I'd like to know what you think.

On 3/31/11, Renee wrote: > > Piaget’s approach to development follows a stage-like > p...See More

Apr 1, 2011

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Renee-Student Yes I am a student and I infact created this question and did the research myself. I will take that you think it sounds like a professor issued question as a compliment.

I believe we need to focus on the individual child and how their interactions with others are influenced. There needs to be a relationship between educator and parents als...See More

Apr 1, 2011

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Schari To your first post my opinion is I see both philosophy's in action in my observations with children. I think they are both valid and that one doesn't rule out the other.

To your second post, thank you for your thoughtful answer. I absolutely agree with you about teacher's preferred methods taking over and that "passionate teacher" does not...See MoreTo your first post my opinion is I see both philosophy's in action in my observations with children. I think they are both valid and that one doesn't rule out the other.

To your second post, thank you for your thoughtful answer. I absolutely agree with you about teacher's preferred methods taking over and that "passionate teacher" does not always describe a teacher looking out for each child's individual best.

I think some children are in environments where they learn to be 'know-ers' and some in an environment where they learn to be 'think-ers'.

My goal in 'teaching' is to influence and give plenty of room to children to be thinkers and problem solvers. This would be in contrast to a teacher that wants to get what is in her head into the child's head and thinking that is the best way for a child to learn.

It's interesting to me that you mention the relationship between educator and parent as far as understanding how a child's learning develops. Absolutely! It's important for parents to know the basis and process of being in an environment that respects each child as a competent individual with their own developmental time table.

On 4/01/11, Renee-Student wrote: > Yes I am a student and I infact created this question and did > the research myself. I will take that you think it sounds like a > professor issued question as a compliment. > > I believe we need to focus on the individual child and how their > interactions with others are influenced. There needs to be a > relationship between educator and parents also, in order to > understand how a child's learning develops. All children are > individuals and should be given the opportunity to express > themselves accordingly. I think in an education setting this > becomes a difficult task and the preferred methods of the > teacher tend to take over. > > In saying that I dont neccessarily believe passionate teachers > are a better teacher. I cant help but feel that they are > passionate about their beliefs and interests instead of the > child's. The passion of a subject may well mean that is > effectively taught. Whether or not the child is engaged in that > process of learning. > > Your thoughts? >

Apr 4, 2011

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