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Theorists afterPiaget

Lisbeth Stewart

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Lev Vygotsky (1896 - 1934)

Central Themes

1. Learning is socially

constructed2. The importance of culture

3. The role of language

4. The Zone of Proximal

Development (ZPD)With thanks to Dr Joe Murik,University of Canberra, 2009

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Vygotsky: theoretical underpinnings

Culture and language are the main influences onlearning

Social interaction is essential to learning

Learning by imitation of others

Problem-solving is a key skill learned

Language is necessary for the development of concepts

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Cognitive development process

Children react to new information according to

what they have already learned (Assimilation)

Children absorb the new information and adapt

their thinking (Accommodation)

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With thanks to Dr Joe Murik,University of Canberra, 2009

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Zone of Proximal Development

5With thanks to Dr Joe Murik, University of Canberra, 2009

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Vygotskys view ofCognitive Development

Individual learning and problem-solving is necessary

Collaborative problem-solving is a more advanced

skill

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Information Processing Theories(1)

Recent research:

Processing speed - Kail (2000), Miller and Vernon

(1997)

Automatic processing Chaiken, Kyllonen & Tirre

(2000), Sternberg 1984

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Information Processing Theories (2)

Knowledge Base Chi (1978)

Cognitive Strategies

Seigler (1996,2007)

Metacognition Bogden (2000), Flavell(1977)

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Integrative Theories

Attempt to combine Piagetian andinformation processing theories

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Reference

Burton, L., Westen, D. & Kowalski, R.,

(2009) Psychology, Second AustralianEdition, Australia: John Wiley & Sons

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