Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive development is the development of the thinking and organizing systems of the mind. It involves language, mental imagery, thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and memory development. Cognitive learning theories focus on how people perceive the stimuli they get from their surroundings. Jean Piaget, a Swiss scientist who lived from 1896 to 1980 is perhaps best known for having described the Theory of Cognitive Development. Piaget carried out several experiments to demonstrate the differences in the way children of various ages are able to grasp and process the environment around them. He also went on to describe how logical thinking and reasoning dominate their minds as they grow.

When formulating his theory Piaget made some assumptions such as that certain types of learning are exclusive to human beings. He went on to assume that knowledge was organized and that people are actively involved in learning process. He also assumed that observation of people’s behavior is what needs to be scientifically studied and that learning is not necessarily manifested by behavioral changes. Furthermore he went on to say that learning is relating new information to the already existing information which was learned through previous experiences derived from personal factors, social factors, environmental factors and behavioral factors. He put forth 4 main stages of the cognitive development theory and said every human goes through these 4 stages and in each stage he acquired certain skills that helped develop his cognitive abilities

Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Stage 1. Sensori-motor Stage

This stage lasts from birth till about 2 years of age. In this stage, the cognitive development in children is guided by limited sensory perception and motor activities.

Stage 2. Pre-operational Stage

This stage lasts from ages 2 year to 7 years. The child is now able to use symbols and images to understand things and learning a language can occur easily. Their thinking is egocentric and irreversible.

Stage 3. Concrete Operational Stage

This stage lasts from ages 7 years to 11 years. The child is able to think logically, concepts like reversibility become clearer and start losing their egocentric personality.

Stage 4. Formal Operations Stage

This stage begins at age 12 and lasts into adulthood. A person is able to think logically, able to deduce facts from it, plan, formulate creative ideas, predict outcomes, understand critique and draw conclusions. In other words one becomes cognitively mature.

Discussion

While the cognitive learning theory have guided us to classify children into categories by age and help us to come with appropriate curricula for different age groups it is also faced with many criticisms.

With the evidence of modern day psychology we now know the age designations in this theory needs revision, mental development of children occur sooner than Piaget’s prediction. Slow moving through the four stages and inability to reach the fourth stage by many have warranted further evaluation of role played by the biological development on cognition. Piaget's theory is also criticized for underestimating the impact of culture and gender differences on children.