Answer to Question #124535 in English for Xitshembiso

Question

Give a description from Piaget's viewpoint of the cognitive development of the foundation phase child. Give an own opinion regarding Piaget's theory.

Answer 1

From the cognitive theory, I have learned that the theory asserts that from birth to around the age of two, children rely on reflexes to live. The Preoperational stage begins from the age of six and results in new circles of development. At this stage, children develop a symbolic function, improves the egocentric perception of the world, and are limited to the conversation. When it comes to the concrete operational stage, estimated to be between age seven to age twelve, children develop conversational skills and become less self-centered. The formal operational step is the last stage whereby children between age eleven to thirteen, they develop hypothetical-deductive reasoning and become able to think abstractly. 

Generally, the theory is based on the impression that development is from what a child knew earlier about the world. As the child challenges what they learn in every stage, they are capable of advancing to the next step. In every step, the child acquires skills necessary for advanced thinking and perception. In my own opinion, Piaget’s theory shows that learning and gaining cleverness is an active process and not passive.