Piaget’s theory: Applied to education

- Piaget's theory was a child centred approach with the assumption that children don't need to be taught as learning was due to be drawn into experiences. - He also believed that if something was taught prematurely the child will be prevented from ever completely understanding it.

1. Readiness - According to Piaget cognitive development occurs as a result of maturation meaning you cannot teach a child to perform certain activities until they are biologically ready. 2. Stages - The concept of readiness means that educational programmes should run along the lines of Piaget's stages of development. 3. Motivation to learn - Piaget suggested that cognitive growth comes from the desire to resolve the disequilibrium caused by cognitive conflict.

4. Logical thinking - Piaget argued that logical thinking spurs on cognitive development and it should be taught by introducing lessons such as maths and science.5. Discovery learning - Child must play active role in learning

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Education - This theory had a big impact on education in the UK.2.Plowden report - Recommended change from 'teacher centred' to 'child centred' learning based on discovery learning.

1.Bryant and Trabasso - Found that practice can improve performance when Piaget's theory stated that no amount of practice will allow the child to learn a skill they are biologically not ready for.2.

Mogdil et al - suggest that discovery learning activities in the classroom may reduce learning because less time is spent on content for example reading. 3.Emotion - This theory is mainly concerned with the development of problem solving abilities and ignores the importance of emotional intelligence.