preview

Piaget Vs Vygotsky Summary

Decent Essays

Developmental theories and modern approaches to teaching are deeply rooted in the works of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Both have provided different interpretations of how children learn and think. While there are many similarities, there are also several distinct differences. The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the cognitive developmental theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Both Piaget and Vygotsky believed that their theory of development were accurate portrayals of how children learn and develop. Both also offer useful interpretations of how to teach children in an age-appropriate manner based on development.

A Brief Summary of the Theories of Piaget and Vygotsky
Piaget’s Theories
Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development stated that development begins at birth to young adult and occurs in four …show more content…

Both had differences in opinion on the origin of development. There were also differences in the importance of relationships between peers and authorities and how it determines cognitive development and learning. Vygotsky places more emphasis on how culture and social factors affect cognitive development. Vygotsky further stated that children learn based on instruction and guidance from within their environment which also largely influences what and how they think. While on the contrary, Piaget states that children acquire knowledge through explorations on their own. Another core difference, Vygotsky places emphasis on speech and states that thought and language are distinct systems from birth. Piaget opposes and states that thought comes before language (speech). Another core difference between the two theories was the belief that cognitive development was universal. Piaget believed that children would only be capable of learning when they ready while Vygotsky believed that development could be quickened within the zone of proximal development and

Get Access