Theories of development including:
• Cognitive (e.g. Piaget)
• Psychoanalytic (e.g. Freud)
• Humanist (e.g. Maslow)
• Social Learning (e.g. Bandura)
• Operant conditioning (e.g. Skinner)
• Behaviourist (e.g. Watson)
The first theorist is Piaget his theory was cognitive/constructive. Piaget believed that the way children think and learn is governed by their age and stage of development. He believed that learning is based on experience in life and ones experience changes the view on what they already know. In school we use this theory as we try to pass on our experiences and knowledge so that the children can extend their experiences and therefore their knowledge. They will then eventually take ownership of themselves and want to learn more and come across more experiences. Next is Freud his theory was psychoanalytic. Freud stated that our personalities are made up of three parts – the id, the ego and the superego. Each of these will develop with the child and each will develop in a subconscious way, driven by psychological needs. He believed that the id is the instinctive part of our personality and is based on biological needs such as hunger. We see this happening in school today some pupils if they do not want to learn they will be disruptive and do not consider others in the class. We then follow discipline procedures and this is when we see the ego according to Freud start to form as the pupil realises how its behaviour effects how their needs are met such as learning and even friendships/relations with other pupils or staff. As we continue to follow strict rule the pupil will develop what Freud calls the superego where they develop a conscience. This can affect them with guilt or alternatively if behaved well promote pride for the pupil and a desire to do well. The next theorist was Maslow and his theory was humanist. Maslow believed that everyone had fundamental needs that had to be met before they could reach their full potential. This is also called the hierarchy of needs. We use this in current practice by supplying the children with healthy food and protecting the health in school environment and by keeping them safe from danger. Also we make sure they feel part of a group and praise and reassure them to motivate and keep self esteem high and supplying them with breaks and intervals throughout the day. This is all used to help the pupils to achieve their individual potential. The next theorist is Bandura. Banduras approach was also one of behaviourism; in other words, it accepted the principle of conditioning. However Bandura said that learning takes place when observing others without being told to do so, meaning their learning is spontaneous. We support this in school by giving pupils physical and practical lessons which they observe the teacher to absorb the information or carry out the exercises themselves. Next we move onto