Sociocultural Theory Of Cognitive Development

Vygotsky believed that social interaction plays an important role in cognitive development. He stressed the idea that a community greatly contributes to the “process of “making meaning”” (McLeod). He believed that a child’s development primarily appears socially. Children use what they learn from their parents and other people.

Teacher, older children and parents play an important role in children learning development (Saul, 2007). The teacher and parents are actively involved in process of children development. For example, the classroom should provide variety of learning materials and experiences. The classroom culture provide the child with cognitive tools such as language, cultural history and social context. Lev Vygotsky’s developmental theory has three central concepts, which are zone of proximal development, internalisation and semiotic mediation (Saul, 2007).

Allowing children to learn to think critically helps them to solve problems and have a logical argument about something they believe is true. Applying critical thinking into schools gives a child a chance to make a difference. Also, Elizabeth McKinstry agrees with Hummell in challenging the next generation to think for themselves. McKinstry writes about how Common Core education helps children become more interactive in the world and teaches them how to apply the knowledge they have learned in life. McKinstry said, "Their reality is not connected to a world outside the boundaries in which they live" (McKinstry 20).

To understand this better, it is important that the concept of Social Learning Theory be discussed. Social learning theory is a theory that attempts and aims to explain the purpose of socialization and the effect of such things on the development of individual young people. There are many different theories that explain the concept of socialization. Some of these theories are psychoanalytic theory, conflict theory and symbolic interaction. Thos social learning theory aims at looking and observing each individuals learning process at each stage of their lives and how such people of the society influence the individuals.

" Behaviour is learned from the environment through the process of observational learning." The behaviour we observed is models. In social life, children encompassed with effective people like parents, siblings, friends, tv characters and teachers etc. They attract to certain people and encode the behaviour and later imitate the behaviour interest to them regardless whether it is appropriate or inappropriate for them.

The self concept is the basic representation in children 's minds of who they are and what they are like. Social learning theorists emphasize that the self concept is built upon the identification with role models, an assessment of self worth, and a preferred pattern in relating to the external world (Carver and Scheier, 1992). Children learn to interact through modelling and imitation of others, particularly role models. Anyone may be a role model for the child in early childhood whom the child admires. The influence of a role model can affect individuals’ personality, ambitions or interest.

Critical reflection on two approaches – Reggio Emilia Approach and Forest School Approach Reggio Emilia Approach Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy which considers children as capable, innovative and curious learners with intrinsic motivations in learning about the unknowns surrounding them (Mitchell and Carroll, 2003). It aimed to promote children’s learning through the development of “the hundred languages” of children (Edwards, Gandini and Forma, 2012). Features Learning spaces, social exchanges, projects, art materials, documentation and collaborative teaching style are the core values of the Approach (Mitchell and Carroll, 2003). In this approach, spaces involved in students’ daily lives were considered as extensions

Children learn language skills by interacting with the immediate environment and training or simple structural changes can improve language skills of children (Bouchard & Gilles, 2011). The early education given in early childhood shapes foundation of the life and helps mental and academic development of child. Throughout the play and education, children learn social skills along with how to deal with others and develop their own values (Webster-Stratton & Reid, 2010). Therefore, this paper, with the purpose of developing the children’s future, discusses why it is very essential to recognize the importance of early childhood education, how it effects to person 's life and how it can be developed. 2.Disscussion of findings 2.1.

Many theorists discuss ways in which children are developing. Physically, emotionally, socially and language progressions. Within the early childhood sector, the study of children's development is vividly important as teachers learn to observe the children's individual learning patterns and habits. The practical knowledge of how to develop a child further will assist in utilising the children's skills and holistic development to their fullest potential, however, knowing how to practically aid children in the separate developmental domains is also key as individual kids need more help in some areas than others.

The theme revolves around the method to help children develop “The Six C's" i.e. Competence, Cognitive Strength, Complex relationships, Collaborative capacities, Creativity & Communication Skills. One of the topic shared was on how to build quality programmes through high quality program. Quality was referred to a rich educational setting that allows for children to enquire, play and bond joyfully and naturally. While the concept were ideal in the early childhood development, the need for community to embrace the change is critical. From educator to policy maker and parent, these stakeholders play an important role to ensure quality early childhood takes place in Singapore.