Can understanding the developmental theories and using different learning styles improve the academic success of students?
Tamelyn D. Motley
Liberty University
Abstract
When looking at educational settings, educators should understand the developmental process of children as well as the different learning styles. Not only is it important to understand the learning style of students, but it is equally important for teachers to understand their learning style. By understanding the developmental process of children and the different learning styles, it helps the teacher become a better educator. In the class that was taken, we were taught about how to become effective teachers by utilizing cognitive theory and different learning styles to improve the academic levels of our students.
In educational settings theory are used to help understand and explain the development of children. Cognitive theory of development has different theorists to help aid teachers in helping student to reach their potential. This paper will discuss two different theories and discuss their approach as it relates to education. The two theories that will be discussed are Jean Piaget’s cognitive stages of development and Lev Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. Cognitive development is rooted in human development and concerned with stages of development theory. Stage development theory postulates that children develop and pass through at least four stages until they reach adulthood. At each stage, children learn different skills that allow them to go from one stage to the next. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development postulates that a “child’s intellect, or cognitive ability, progresses through four distinct stages” (Slavin, 2012, p. 31). In each stage emerge new abilities and ways in which to process information. Piaget...