mental development

Cognitive developmental theory in Piaget's philosophy of education

Dlivan Aziz Mahmod, Btool Radha Abbas

This study investigates the principles and points of view of Jean Piaget, who was one of the most famous figures in constructivism in education. He pioneered the understanding of the mechanisms of mental and cognitive development in children. In this study, depending on Piaget's constructivist theory, we clarify the stages of psychological and cognitive development in children. Especially clarify how two different ways of development, at the same time, are deeply connected as they merge through both biological development and active environmental interaction to form the child's development. Piaget's perspectives show that psychological and cognitive development are not just innate abilities; rather, it is an active and constructive process that develops through the child's continuous interaction with the environment. In this study, through analyzing the stages of psychological and cognitive development, which includes the motor sense, pre-rational processes and meaningful thinking, we clarify that how innate maturation and external motivation are completing each other to form complex and abstract thinking. The goal of this study is to clarify that how deep understanding of these processes can have deep influence on the parents' and educators' method in educating children. Through deep understanding of Piaget's method, the educators can design appropriate setting and learning activities in which developmentally suitable and support the natural way of child's development. This Mastery motivates the educators to favor an educational method in which independence and problem- solving are prioritized instead of limiting guidelines that may prevent the child's natural growth.