VYGOTSKY and PIAGET
Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories are related with psychology in education.They have many educational books about their theories.They are very famous pyschologists.Their theories are applied approximately all countries’s education systems.Although they are both very crucial and useful theories in education.There are four major differences between Piaget’s and Vygotsk’s theories.These are social approach and social contexts of learning,view on education,theory of language and teaching implications.
The first difference between two theories is their social approach and social contexts of learning.Although both theories are constructivist.Vygotsky is a social constructivis,he is interested in social approach learning whereas Piaget’s theory does not have this strong social emphasis.For example,Vygotsky’s theory says that social approach is necessary for children’s improvment.However,according to piaget cognitive development is defined as development of ability to think and reason.For instance,cognitive development plays important role in children processes and abilities.I’m stated in the book.(Educational Psychology.EDUC 114fall 2006-07).
The second difference is view on education.Vygotsky believed that education plays a central role.In contrast Piaget believed that education only refines the child’s cognite skills.According to Vygotsky education provides many advantages for children’s cognitive development.I think that Vygotsky’s theory is more useful for children.Education can improve children’s critical and mental thinking so children can find resolution for many problems and conflicts.(Educational Psychology EDUC 114 fall 2006-07)
The third difference is the theory of language.In Piaget’s theory language plays a minimal role however,In vygotsky’s theory language “plays a powerful role in shaping thoughts”(EDUC 114).Vygotsky also believed that young children use language not only social communication but also to plan and guide for their future life but Piaget emphazised young children’s egocentric and nonsocial speech.I think that language is necessary human’s cultural beliefs and value system.For example we can use a word a number of different meanings.(Educational Psychology EDUC 114 fall 2006-07)
The last one is teaching implications.In Vygotsky’s theory,teacher is a facilitator and guide,not director.According to Vygotsky teacher“should be make sure that students are provided adequate tools for learning.Student should be taught how to use tools as computers and resource books”(www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26240 ).However ,In Piaget’s theory teacher provides support for children to explore their world and to find knowledge.I believe that both Piaget and Vygotsky provided educator with important view on cognitive development in the child I also believe that Vygotsky’s theory stressed the importance of teaching.(www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26240).
In conclusion as we see two approaches can be explained by the differences in Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s views on learning in education.After evaluating Piaget’s and Vyogtsky’s theories on cognitive development,I believe that we should continue to learn and to discuss their theories especially we should apply their theories in education.These theories are necessary for critical thinking and independent experience.I think that we should apply their useful theories in our teaching.These theories are crucial for education life and daily life.
REFERENCES:________ Educational Psychology coursebook for the EDUC 114 course.North Cyprus.Turkey.
Flannagan,C.(1999).Applying child Psychology to early child development:Nelson Thornes limited Ginsbury.Hayes.N.(1999).a Access to Psychology.5th ed.London.Retrieved January 5
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