Paul lags behind in terms of learning and development according to Piaget Theory. At the Preoperational stage, he should be in a position to express full concepts using correct grammar and syntax (Piaget, 1952). However, his aggression is typical because children at the Preoperational stage tend to be egocentric due to centralized thinking. The most relevant parts of the theory are the Sensorimotor stage and the Preoperational stage because Paul falls within these stages.
From the Piaget theory, the educational needs of a student are consistent with his/her level of cognitive development. For instance, Paul is in the Preoperational Stage. As his teacher, I need to encourage him to participate in hands on activities and playing with toys that change shape because they help him to understand properties of matters and conservation that are consistent with the Preoperational Stage (Educational implications of Piaget theory, n.d)
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Jean Piaget argued that learning should be an active process (Slavin, 2005). Therefore, Paul should learn through discovery learning whereby he takes parts in exploratory activities. This approach helps him to expand his knowledge, explore the environment and gain problem-solving skills. The content should also be delivered depending on the cognitive ability of the student (Wood, Smith &Grossniklaus, 2001; McLeod, 2018).
Paul is atypical in that he lags behind in terms of development. His poor language skills, antisocial behavior, and retarded motor skills are inconsistent with a child who has undergone the Sensorimotor stage whereby these skills are developed. However, his aggressiveness is typical for a child in the Preoperational stage.
Jean Piaget theory is helpful to me as a teacher. I have learned that learning is different at each stage of development (Wadsworth, 1996). Therefore, I am able to deliver the content and activities that are appropriate for the children at each stage.
References
Educational implications of Piaget’s Theory.(n.d). Retrieved October, 7, 2018, from http://www.piaget.weebly.com
Mcleod, S. (2018). Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Retrieved October, 4, 2018, from https://www.simplypsychology.org
Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children . New York: International University Press.
Slavin, R.E. (2005). Educational psychology: theory and practice . Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Wadsworth, B.J. (1996). Piaget's theory of cognitive and affective development: White Plains, NY: Longman.
Wood, K. C., Smith, H. & Grossniklaus, D. (2001). Piaget's stages of cognitive development . Retrieved October 4, 2018, http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
