Question

In what ways do children develop cognitively during the middle childhood years? Discuss incorporating the major theoretical approaches, specific to the middle childhood years ( Piaget, Information Processing and Vygotsky). Also describe how psychologists assess children for learning disabilities.

IN 350-400 WORDS

Answer 1

Middle childhood is the period between ages 6 and 12. Piaget used the term concrete operations to describe the cognitive development that takes place during middle childhood. According to Piaget, children in this stage have not yet mastered the ability to comprehend abstract concepts and ideas. Their thought process is unidirectional and tangible and is based on concrete experiences. Children in this stage also demonstrate the ability to understand that despite the change in form, some physical properties remain the same. They also have the ability to classify objects based on common features an order things in a logical progression.

Vygotsky explained cognitive development in children using the term “Zone of Proximal Development” He stated that children could learn a particular skill or behaviour if they were in the zone of proximal development for a specific task. He also stated the importance of instruction and social influences in cognitive development.

When assessing children for learning disabilities, these theories form a basis for what children are supposed to be capable of doing by a certain age. The concept of scaffolding that Vygotsky proposed serves as a basis for intervention for children with learning disabilities