Compare Theories of Piaget,Vgotsky and Erikson Essay

Compare Theories of Piaget,Vgotsky and Erikson - Essay Example In the article, "Cognitive and Social Constructivism" there is a relationship being defined between the two differing views of Piaget and Vygotsky. Piaget's cognitive constructivism emphasizes thinking over language; even as Vygotsky's social constructivism emphasizes the reverse-language over thinking. With Piaget's theory, it is most detrimental in the practice of teaching to ensure individual understanding and knowledge of certain concepts. This grasping of ideas is independent of all other characters in the classroom and tailored to fit each separate individual. Piaget's theory of cognitive development is outlined in which four stages are surpassed to achieve elevated intensities of cognitive ability (pp. 242). It is discussed how the child undergoes the accommodation and assimilation of new concepts (or schema) to further enhance his or her knowledge base and move through the stages of development. The teacher is more capable of aiding in the learning process when each child's p articular level of development is determined. On the contrary, social constructivism is dependent upon the teacher, other students, or other adults to facilitate learning. Vygotsky's supposition about the zone of proximal development and cultural- historical psychology should be utilized in a social constructivist classroom.