EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development
Module 1.1
Cognitive Development
Cognition refers to a broad range of mental processes, such as thinking, memory,
perception, attention, language, judgment, imagination, creativity, planning, problemsolving etc. Clearly, cognition directly involves brain functioning and, as we have
previously learned, is at least partly determined by the level of brain development.
In this module, we take a closer look at cognitive development processes and their
potential implications to learning and instruction. We focus on the works of Jean Piaget
and Lev Vygotsky, who are perhaps the most prominent cognitive development theorists.
Then we succinctly explore cognitive functioning in the later years of life.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After studying this module, you should be able to:
1. Describe cognitive development according to the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky;
2. Critically analyze the developmental appropriateness of various pedagogical
methods and strategies;
3. Discuss pertinent issues and propose solutions anchored on theory and research
TOPICS
Piaget’s stage theory of cognitive development
Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development
Developmentally appropriate practices
Cognitive processes in the later years
A.
B.
C.
D.
Essential Questions

How do we describe cognitive processes at various stages of development?

What cognitive functions may be expected (or not) at each developmental
level? What are some pedagogical implications?

Does cognition continue to develop or does it merely regress in later years?
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
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EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development
A. VYGOTSKY’S SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Lev Vygotsky’s theory emphasized the roles of social
interactions and culture in cognitive development.
Learning precedes (paves the
ways for) development.
Important ideas to look up:



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Culture, cultural tools
Mental functions (elementary; higher)
Language (social, private, inner speech) and cognition
Zone of proximal development (ZPD)
More knowledgeable other (MKO); scaffolding
Let’s learn!
 Lev Vygotsky (S. McLeod, 2018)
Describes Vygotsky’s social-cognitive theory of development and compares it with
Piaget’s stage theory of cognitive development
 OR VIDEO OPTIONS
Vygotsky sociocultural development (khanacademy, 2014; 9:55 min)
OR
Vygotsky's Developmental Theory: An Introduction (Davidson Films, Inc., 2010;
4 min)
B. PIAGET’S STAGE THEORY OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Jean Piaget is considered as one of the most dominant cognitive development theorists.
He systematically studied how thinking progressed with age and proposed that cognition
developed through four distinct stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operations,
and formal operations.
Piaget argues that cognitive development is a
In contrast to Vygotsky’s argument
consequence of interactions between biological
that learning precedes
maturation and the environment. Both maturation and
development, Piaget posits that
cognitive development proceed through an invariant
development precedes learning.
sequence of stages. Accordingly, and in contrast to
Vygotsky’s argument that learning precedes development,
Piaget posits that development precedes (a precondition for) learning.
Warm-up (Overview)
The articles below provide us with a quick review of Piaget’s theory—the key concepts
and stages. Choose at least one:

The 4 Stages of Cognitive Development: Background and Key Concepts of
Piaget's Theory (K. Cherry, 2019)
Links to articles that elaborate on specific topics are provided
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
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EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development

OR
Jean Piaget’s Theory Of Cognitive Development (S. McLeod, 2018)
o Embedded video: Development: Schemas, Assimilation, & Accommodation
(ByPass Publishing, 2013. [1:44 min]) - explains what "schemas" are, and
how they relate to cognitive processes such as assimilation and
accommodation
o Follow the links for elaboration on the following topics:
Sensorimotor Stage
Object Permanence
Preoperational Stage
Concrete Operational Stage
Formal Operational Stage

OR
Cognitive Development: The Theory of Jean Piaget (Lumen Learning.
Educational Psychology)

OR - VIDEO OPTION
Piaget's stages of cognitive development (KhanAcademy, 2013) [5:15 min]
LEARNING ACTIVITIES (Piaget)
1. Important concepts to look up and understand:

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Schema
Equilibrium; assimilation; accommodation
Object permanence
Transitivity; [ir]reversibility
Conservation
Egocentricity
Operational thought (pre-operational; concrete operational; formal operational)
Deductive reasoning; inductive reasoning
2. Complete the table.
As you study the resources, complete the table accordingly.
Include in the table as many of the concepts above as you can.
Modify the table to best suit your learning needs and style.
Age range
Stage/ Characterisitics
___ years
Sensorimotor
Experiences the world through senses and actions,
e.g.: _[etc]__
Pre-operational...
[etc]
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
Developmental
Milestones
 Object
permanence
 Etc___
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EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development
A closer look (deeper learning)
READ

Chapter 4. Piaget and Cognitive Development [PDF] (J. Fleming). Additional
resource recommended in https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html

SUPPLEMENTARY (or alternative) READ
Piaget (...and his critics) [PDF]. Additional resource recommended in
https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html
WATCH

Jean Piaget - The Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget| Intellectual Deep
Web, 2018) [40 min; English subtitles]
Piaget himself explains how children of different ages vary in the ways they
process and interpret a problem about volume

Video resources - specific stages of development
1. Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage & Critiques (ProfKelley, 2012; 18:29 min)
OR
Sensorimotor Stage - 6 Substages (S. Perron, 2015; 5:20 min)

2.
Piaget's Preoperational Stage.mov (ProfFoley, 2011; 4:48 min)
3.
Concrete Operations (Elkind|Davidson Films, Inc., 2010; 3:56 min)
4.
Formal operational stage - Intro to Psychology (Udacity, 2015; 2:04 min)
Examples of various concepts in short videos
o Object permanence
Piaget - Stage 1 - Sensorimotor stage : Object Permanence (G. Stienissen,
2011, 1:03 min)
OR
o
The A Not B Error (Sensorimotor Stage) (Adam, 2013, 1:26 min)
Conservation; Irreversibility/ Reversibility
A typical child on Piaget's conservation tasks (munakatay, 2011; 3:49 min)
OR
Cognitive Development Example (R. O’Leary, 2016; 12 min)
OR
o
o
o
o
Piaget - Stage 3 - Concrete – Reversibility (Fi3021, 2008; 0:56 min)
Egocentricism
Egocentricism (jenningh, 2007; 1:32 min)
Piaget's concrete operational stage experiments (Profbofece, 2009; 0:58
min)
Transitivity
Question Transitivity Test (JustinGreene, 2016; 0:15 min)
Formal thinking
formal operational child (jenningh, 2007; 1:45 min)
OR
Piaget's Formal Operational Stage (XxAnaLeexX, 2012; 1:44min)
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
4
EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development
Vygotsky and Piaget
COMPARE
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/0e/a1/4e0ea1ff6d57735441ec1494fac564df.jpg
READ
Developmental Psychology: Incorporating Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s Theories in
Classrooms (B. Blake & T. Pope, 2008) [pdf]
Compares the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky and discusses how they may be used in
education
C. DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES
A clear understanding of cognitive development equips educators and caregivers with an
ability to intentionally plan and administer developmentally appropriate tasks for learners,
and thereby foster optimal learning and development.
To better understand and appreciate the value of developmentally appropriate practices,
study at least one resource below:


What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)? (NAEYC, n.d.)
Providing Developmentally Appropriate Learning (WGBH Educational
Foundation, 2014)
Includes discussions on the following topics:
o Understand How Children Think
o Recognize Children’s Strengths
o Develop Self-Regulated Learners
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
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EDS 100 Psychological Foundations of Education
Module 1.1 Cognitive Development
Think Time
 Explore the various learning materials and activities that are being provided to
learners (preferably of different age groups) around you. Are they
developmentally appropriate? Can you identify any that do not seem to be apt?
 How would the perspectives of Piaget and Vygotsky compare in the discussion of
developmentally appropriate practices? What specific concepts and principles
will each bring to the fore, and in so doing, how would their arguments and
propositions compare (differ, in particular)?
D. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN THE LATER YEARS
At what age does cognitive development stop, or does it? How do we explain and
address some of the concerns of the elderly regarding deteriorating cognitive abilities?

Aging and cognitive abilities (KhanAcademy, 2013) [3:09 min]
Discusses specific cognitive abilities that remain stable, improve, or decline
associated with aging

SUPPLEMENTS (Optional)
o Cognition and Healthy Brain Aging (K. Daffner| Brigham and Women's
Hospital, 2014) [7:38 min]
Explains what changes people can expect in their cognitive abilities as
they grow older and what steps they can take to promote cognitive health
throughout life
o
For advanced/science-savvy learners (strictly optional)
Memory and the Aging Brain (C. Barnes| NAS, 2019) [20 min]
Discusses how neuroscience research data have driven a conceptual shift
away from the idea of passive brain deterioration with time, to the view
that the brain is capable of remarkable adaptation across the lifespan
GENERAL REFERENCES (Open Digital Textbooks)
Lally, M. and Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan Development - A Psychological
Perspective. LibreTexts. Available at
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Development/Map%3A_Lifespan
_Development_-_A_Psychological_Perspective_(Lally_and_Valentine-French)
Overstreet, L. (2019). Human Development: Life Span. LibreTexts. Available at
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Development/Book%3A_Human
_Development_Life_Span_(Overstreet).
Lumen Learning. Life Span Development. Lumen Learning. Available at
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/
Lumen Learning. Boundless Psychology. Lumen Learning. Available at
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/
Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University
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