Cognitive development in children: Piaget's perspective

'Development' is the change that occurs throughout the lifespan and which is

orderly and adaptive.This could be physical, cognitive, or social in

nature.

      Key points to remember:

- Different children develop at different rates.

- Development occurs via both spurts and plateaus and is continually 

affected by both nature and nurture

-  Development proceeds in a somewhat orderly and predictable pattern

Role of Brain in Cognitive Development 

Learning involves changes in neurons and synapses. Developmental 

changes in the brain enable increasingly complex and efficient thought.

According to Piaget, a Swiss psychologist there are age-related 

similarities in how children attempt to solve certain tasks. 

Within specific age ranges there were specific types of deficits and 

specific types of strengths in problem-solving skills.

Further, Piaget says that, 

 - Children learn through assimilation and accommodation

- Interaction with one’s physical and social environments is essential for 

        cognitive development

      - Children construct knowledge from their experiences

According to Piaget, Children move through four developmental stages,

In a nutshell:

- Children tend to think in qualitatively different ways at different 

ages.

- Children actively construct their knowledge

- Development builds upon prior acquisitions.

- Challenging situations and tasks promote development

- Social interaction is critical for development