Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

I have taught children a reading, grammar in a teacher-centered way to elementary and middle  school children in accordance with the reality of education in Korea. I would like to introduce Piaget's theory because If I look at children through the stage cognitive development according to Piaget's theory, I think I can understand and teach children better and I can teach them to accept English, not his native language, more easily and pleasantly.

Piaget's theory of cognitive development is a comprehensive theory about the nature and development of human intelligence. The theory deals with the nature of knowledge itself and how humans gradually come to acquire, construct, and use it. Piaget's theory is mainly known as a developmental stage theory.

To Piaget, cognitive development was a progressive reorganization of mental processes resulting from biological maturation and environmental experience. He believed that children construct an understanding of the world around them, experience discrepancies between what they already know and what they discover in their environment, then adjust their ideas accordingly. Moreover, Piaget claimed that cognitive development is at the center of the human organism, and language is contingent on knowledge and understanding acquired through cognitive development. Piaget's earlier work received the greatest attention.

Piaget identified four stages in cognitive development

Sensorimotor stage(Infancy)

In this period(which has 6 stages), intelligence is demonstrated through motor activity without the use of symbols. Knowledge of the world is limited(but developing)because its based on physical interactions/experiences. Children acquire object permanence at about 7 months of age(memory). Physical development(mobility) allows the child to begin developing new intellectual abilities. Some symbolic(language) abilities are developed at the end of this stage.

2. Pre-operational stage (Toddler and Early Childhood)

In this period(which has two sub stage), intelligence is demonstrated through the use of symbols, language use matures, and memory and imagination are developed, but thinking is done in a non logical, non reversible manner. Egocentric thinking predominates.

3. Concrete operational stage (Elementary and early adolescence). Elementary and early adolescence

In this stage, intelligence is demonstrated through logical and systematic manipulation of symbols related to concrete objects. Operational thinking develops(mental actions that are reversible). Egocentric thought diminishes.

4. Formal operational stage(Adolescence and adulthood). In this stage, intelligence is demonstrated thrugh the logical use of symbols related to abstract concepts.

In conclusion, I’m motivated of Piaget's theory of dividing the ages of children by stages of cognitive development and helping them language and potential development stage by stage. Actually, I want to teach children of 7 to 11years(Elementary and early adolescence). These children have social-oriented characteristics that are not centered on themselves, understand others, and interested in their peers. Therefore, children at this stage can happily accept English through interaction with their classmates through grouping classes. Also, I will give enough time to think for the development of operational thinking so that they can present their opinions and debate  according to the topic.