The Importance Of Cognitive Development In Education

Research shows that the cognitive development of students occurs in a transition of stages. Cognitive development theories generally are based on the work of Jean Piaget and examine how students think and process information (Yordy, 2008). Cognitive development theory is the basis of curriculum that encourages development and allows students to succeed in learning. Curriculum exists for students and it is concerned with both content and process. It is characterized by a balance of knowledge, skills and attitudes which is organized in a logical and sequential manner. It must encourage critical thinking and provide the student with opportunities to develop the ability to make reasoned judgments (Alberta Teacher’s Association, 2016). An understanding of cognitive development demands that materials be presented at appropriate levels of difficulty, in appropriate manners, and in appropriate orders to encourage the students’ development without overwhelming or underwhelming the students (Yordy, 2008).

Teachers should aid students in stretching their abilities and developing their basic skills. Also, the value of students’ perceptions of both the use and interest of the subjects studied at school is pivotal to effective within-school curriculum development. Thus, a curriculum’s development agenda is centered on the relationship of the students on

This approach leads to changing content emphasis from theoretical to conceptual understanding; changing student activity from observations only to active discussion and reasoning; shifting student interactions from individual to group work; shifting the role of the educator from as source of answers to source of guiding and directing