Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Definition

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development outlines how children's ability to think and understand the world around them evolves through distinct stages as they grow. It emphasizes that cognitive development is not just about acquiring more information over time but involves qualitative changes in how thinking processes are organized.

Related terms

Schema: A schema is a mental framework that helps organize and interpret information from the world around us, essential for understanding new experiences.

Assimilation:

Assimilation occurs when new information is incorporated into pre-existing schemas, allowing for adjustment to new experiences without altering existing structures.

Accommodation: Accommodation refers to the process of changing one’s mental framework or schemas to incorporate new information that cannot be assimilated into existing schemas, demonstrating adaptability in learning