Cognitive Development-Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget developed the theory of cognitive development. Piaget’s theory is widely used in education programs to prepare teachers to instruct students in developmentally appropriate ways. The theory is based on four stages:
- Sensorimotor (birth to 2 years old), — In the sensorimotor stage children learn object permanence, which is the understanding that people and objects still exist even when they’re out of view.
- Preoperational (2 to7 years old), — In the preoperational stage children develop symbolic thought, which is when they begin to progress from concrete to abstract thinking. Children in this stage often have imaginary friends.
- Concrete operational (7-11 years old), — In the concrete operational stage children solidify their abstract thinking and begin to understand cause and effect and logical implications of actions.
- Formal operational (adolescence to adulthood), — In the formal operational stage humans plan for the future, think hypothetically, and assume adult responsibilities.