What is Learning: According to Piaget learning is different from cognitive development. Kids will go through four stages of development until they are able to think in abstract terms around age 11-12 years. Learning is "provoked by situations", meaningful and applicable situations.
How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher: Of course you have to realize the development stage of the students you are trying to teach. Piaget also stated that there are three types of knowledge: physical, social, and abstract. I work with junior kids who love to be social. It works well to have students work together in pairs, or team teach one another. It also helps to add the physical action of completing a task in what you are learning. I love what Piaget said, "to know is to act on it". We want our students to act on what they are learning in our classes and transfer that knowledge to other areas in school or in their lives.
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Toni
ReplyDeleteI think you have hit right on about Piaget and learning. Often times I think that his theories don't really apply to me because I teach high schools students. You however gave a great example of how it applies in your situation and I can see that it also applies in mine.
I like your example of social knowledge. I agree that to know is to act on it, not just memorize. Good post.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to point out that being "social" is a knowledge that is important to learn, not just a nuisance. Like you said, we should work to foster that by having students work in groups rather than try to squelch it.
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