Criticisms

• Why is Piaget's theory considered reductionist?

  It overlooks the role of teachers in learning
• How did Piaget view children in his theory?

  As independent little scientists
• What did Piaget believe about children's development stages?

  Children must reach stages to continue learning
• Who was another psychologist working around the same time as Piaget?

  Vygotsky
• What key aspect of development did Vygotsky recognize?

  Learning is a key aspect of development
• How can teachers support students according to Vygotsky's perspective?

  By scaffolding their learning
• What is the effect of scaffolding on students' learning?

  It helps them learn effectively
• What are the main differences between Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories regarding children's learning?

  • Piaget: Children learn independently as scientists
  • Vygotsky: Learning is social and requires teacher support
  • Piaget emphasizes stages; Vygotsky emphasizes scaffolding
• Some of Piaget's research has been criticised for being too complicated for the children to understand. For example, when young children are given a simplified version of the 3 mountain task, they are able to see things from the dolls perspective , suggesting thy are not egocentric.
• Researchers have shown that only around half of adults actually reach the formal operational stage with many not being capable of abstract thinking . Piaget failed to realise that not everyone reaches the final stage of cognitive development , therefore the theory is not universal.