Learning+Theory+Group+4

=Group 4 Developmental Theory [|(Jean Piaget)]=

= Introduce and describe the theorists' contributions to the theory =

Piaget's insight was the role of the student's maturation in their ability to understand their world. He believed children can not do certain tasks until they are psychologically mature enough. His thinking is that student's thinking doesn't develop entirely smooth, there are certain times in their life in which it "takes off" and moves to new areas and capabilities. He determined these transitions take place around 18 months, 7 years and 11-12 years. He thinks that before these ages children are not capable of doing certain things in certain ways. The scheduling of the school curriculum has been based upon this theory.

= Describe at least 3 main characteristics of the theory =

-Transitions take place around 18 months, 7 years and 11-12 years of age. -Children can not capable of thinking in certain ways until this age -School curriculum is based off of this

= Explain how the theory is associated with either direct instruction or constructivism • Educators must plan a curriculum that enhances students’ logical and conceptual growth = • Teachers need to emphasize that experiences or interactions with the surrounding environment play a critical role in student learning. • Piaget’s theory provides the foundation for constructivist learning: Discovery learning and supporting the developing interest of the child are two instructional techniques • It is recommended that parents and teachers challenge students to the best of their abilities without presenting the material to them or informing beyond their level • Teachers should use a wide variety of concrete experiences to help the child learn (field trips or manipulatives are great examples) = = = Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the theory =

Strengths:
1. Piaget's stages are very accurate and if learning does not happen for some children, it provides a great model to follow 2. The order and structure derived from the theory's types of knowledge, stages of knowledge development, and processes of knowledge development

Weaknesses:
1. The Model is flawed and not always 100% accurate for every person 2. Scientist now believe that each learning facility operates on a different level unlike Piaget's belief that they were intertwined 3. Not all students or even adults make it to the formal operational stage of knowledge development. Even if students get to that stage, there is no guarantee they will remain at that stage 4. During transition between stages, it may be difficult for teachers to determine what stage their students are exactly at because students tend to move back and forth between stages. Eventually it might be a leap, but not immediately

= Provide at least one example of how technology can be integrated into classroom instruction that uses your learning theory. What would this classroom look like? What would the instruction look like? Include the targeted grade level. What are the goals for instruction? What would the technology integration look like? =

In a classroom that emphasizes Piaget's Developmental Theory, the technology used must be highly interactive in order to enhance growth through the different stages. Students could use computer programs that are designed to help progression to the next developmental stage or even move them faster through the stages. For example, students in elementary school could use a program that uses games to enhance their sensory-motor skills. As the student progresses and reaches the Formal Operational Stage, he or she can use the program to answer questions that force them to critically analyze ideas or data. Each computer program will be attuned to students in each respective stage. The classroom itself should be designed to enhance the students' learning experiences.

While in middle school, I can remember using a computer game in which the player is a bus driver and must pick up children for school in the allotted amount of time. This computer game could be used for students in the Concrete Operational Stage. In order for the students to win the game, they have to remember bus routes, relative locations, and landmarks. This enhances each student's ability to think logically.

The teacher must be there to facilitate if the students have any problems with the computer programs. Instruction should be highly interactive while maintaining enough space to enable independent learning. As students move through the different stages, the classroom atmosphere, method of instruction, and technological integration should progress accordingly gradually becoming more and more complex.