Explain How Theories Of Development Influence Current Practice

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There are various theories of development which have an influence on current practices in schools today. Theorists such as Piaget looked at the cognitive development of children. Piaget believed that children developed thoughts as a result of their experiences. He also suggested that childrenâ€TMs thinking and learning is different to adults. Children have four stages of cognitive development. Stage 1 is Sensori-motor, from 0-2 years babies learn through their senses and interaction with their environment and understand the world through actions. Stage 2 is Pre-operations, from2-7 years, children learn through experiences with real objects and use words to make sense of the world around them. Stage 3 is Concrete operations, from 7-11 years, children continue to learn through real objects and gain extra information from using language. Stage 4 is Formal operations, from 11 years to adult, children and adults learn to use abstract thinking to understand the world. An example of this theory linking to practice is in school, milk is served in blue cups, but if the milk is served in a pink cup one day they wonâ€TMt believe itâ€TMs milk because of past experiences. Freud has helped influence current practise by making us understand that there is a conflict between our unconscious and conscious thoughts and …show more content…

Maslow suggested that there are five levels of need. Level one needs are basic needs such as food and shelter which need to be meet before moving to the next level of need. Each level should be meet in turn up to level five, self-actualisation. An example of this in current practice is providing children with snack and water during the school day fulfilling basic needs and providing opportunities to develop friendships and feel safe at school to express their feelings can fulfil needs in levels 2 and 3 of Maslowâ€TMs hierarchy of

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