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Learn: Development - Early Brain Development and Cognitive Theories
GCSE Psychology Edexcel 1PS0
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Welcome!Today we'll explore early brain development and Piaget's theory of cognitive development. These topics help us understand how children think and learn over time.
Early Brain DevelopmentThe brain develops rapidly during early childhood. Key structures include the forebrain (thinking and memory), midbrain (sensory processing), hindbrain (coordination and vital functions), cerebellum (balance and movement), and medulla (heartbeat and breathing).
Which part of the brain controls balance and movement?
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Piaget's Theory of Cognitive DevelopmentPiaget proposed that children go through four stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor (birth–2 years, learning through senses), pre-operational (2–7 years, symbolic thinking), concrete operational (7–11 years, logical thinking), and formal operational (11+ years, abstract reasoning).
Schemas and LearningPiaget explained learning through schemas—mental frameworks for organising information. Children adapt their schemas through assimilation (adding new information) and accommodation (changing schemas for new experiences).
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Strengths and Weaknesses of Piaget's TheoryStrengths include its focus on stages of thinking and practical applications in education. Weaknesses include underestimating children's abilities and ignoring cultural influences.
Which of the following is a weakness of Piaget's theory?
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Examples of Cognitive DevelopmentLet's connect Piaget's theory to real life. For example, in the sensorimotor stage, infants learn object permanence (understanding objects exist even if hidden). In the concrete operational stage, children grasp concepts like conservation (e.g., knowing liquid amounts stay the same when poured into different containers).
In the {{blank0}} stage, children begin to understand conservation concepts like {{blank1}}.
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Review Time!Great work! You've learned about early brain development and Piaget's cognitive development theory. Now, let's review everything with a few questions to test your understanding.
Which of the following are features of Piaget's pre-operational stage? (Select all that apply)
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Which brain structure controls vital functions like breathing?
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Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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