Child Development and Learning Theories Flashcards

According to Piaget, children ages 2–7 are in which stage of cognitive development?

Answer: Preoperational

Piaget's preoperational stage (ages 2–7) is characterized by symbolic thinking but limited logical reasoning.

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to:

Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a child's independent capability and what they can achieve with adult or peer support.

Which theorist emphasized that children learn through observation and imitation of others?

Answer: Bandura

Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory highlights that children acquire behaviors by observing and imitating role models.

Erikson's stage for children ages 3–5 is best described as:

Answer: Initiative vs. Guilt

During Initiative vs. Guilt (ages 3–5), children begin to assert power and control over their environment through play.

Which approach to early childhood education emphasizes child-led exploration and intrinsic motivation?

Answer: Constructivist/play-based learning

Constructivist and play-based learning encourages children to build knowledge through self-directed exploration.

Which developmental principle states that children develop from head to toe?

Answer: Cephalocaudal

The cephalocaudal principle describes development proceeding from the head downward toward the feet.