Jean Piaget was a Swiss developmental psychologist and philosopher known for his theory of cognitive development. He disagreed with the prevailing view that children are less competent thinkers, arguing instead that incorrect answers from children show their different ways of thinking. Piaget conducted detailed observational studies of children and designed simple tests to study their cognitive development. He identified four stages of development and proposed that children learn through assimilating new experiences into existing mental structures or accommodating their structures based on new information. Piaget's theory shifted the focus of education to understanding children's psychology and cognitive learning processes through active learning like plays and interactions, rather than just product of learning.

1. Prepared by :
Sheraz Anjum & Abdullah Saleem

2.  Born in Switzerland (1896-1980)
 Developmental Psychologist & Philosopher,
 Influences: Immanual Kant & Baldwin
 Influenced: Jerome Bruner & Lev Vygotsky
 Known for: Theory of Cognitive Development
& Genetic Epistemology
 His area of interest:
Wrong answers of children to the
logical questions

3.  Available assumption :
Children as less competent thinkers
 His disagreement:
Children cannot be called less
competent thinkers
Incorrect answers show children’s
different ways of thinking
Started working on Child’s cognitive
development
Detailed observational studies
Series of simple and intelligence
based tests

4.  Different way of thinking, basic mental structure,
subsequent learning and knowledge is based on it, focus
on development rather than learning, cognitive
development is progressive and result of biological
maturation and environmental experience
03 Basic Components
1. Schema: Building blocks of knowledge, each related to one
aspect
2. Adaptation:
i. Assimilation: Existing schema to deal
with new situations.
ii. Accommodation: Modification of
existing schema
iii. Equilibrium: When existing schemas
can work
3. Stages of Development: 04 stages, same order is followed.

5.  Later researcher applied his theory on teaching.
 It led British Govt to review primary education in
1966.
 It led to re-designing of primary curriculum
 Focus on children’s thinking, not just its product
 Children’s self-initiated, active involvement in
learning activities
 Presentation of ready made knowledge was de-
emphasized
 Making children adult-like in thinking was de-
emphasized
 Acceptance of individual differences in
developmental progress.

6. Children
Psychology
Education
Assumptions
 Children learn through
experiments
 children learn best
through doing and
actively exploring
 Children are innately
curious and motivated
to learn, whether or not
they receive external
rewards and
encouragement.

7. Jean Piaget

8. ROLE PLAYED CHILDREN
PSYCHOLOGY
ROLE PLAYED IN
EDUCATION
 Shifted focus to children
psychology
 Understanding of cognitive
development
 Focus on learning process
rather than end product of it.
 Importance of active
learning
 Focus on peer work and
learning through interaction
 Learning through plays and
visual aid

9.  The High/Scope curriculum
model(1960)
 Designed for preschool-age children
 children develop logicomathematical
(ordering)and spatiotemporal (rational
concepts) understandings
 Free choice-time activities - reflection
Other pedagogical techniques
 Anchored Instruction ( Developed to
help children learn through thinking about
situations critically)
 Microwords (Students use a computer-
based environment to learn)
 Symbol Pads ( Manipulations of symbols
and language; word-processors, drawing
programs, index cards)

10. For Teachers

11. Understanding Piaget Theory can make
you more effective teacher . Simple
objects like pencils and shoes can open
new horizons of learning for a child.
Teachers can use a variety of visual aid
and imagery to accelerate the little
scientist’s process of ASSIMILATION
ACCOMODATION & EQUILIBRIUM

12. Easy questions are more than welcome 