Activity 1: Piaget's Cognitive Constructivism

1. Emphasis on qualitatively different ways of thinking.
    In this stage of learning, we must take our time as we introduce children to certain forms of learning. If we examine a child who is 2 years old, we will be able to see that the child can identify some objects. However, at 2 years old, the child should not be be forced to learn their ABC's because they are not developmentally prepared for that concept. The rate of development is important in the learning process.
2. Order, Sequence, and logic of instruction crucial for successful assimilation/accomodation.
    The way that instruction is presented is important. Order must be maintained so that students can follow the sequence of going from one concept to another. For Example: Pre-Algebra is a precursor to Algebra. If Algebra were presented before Pre-Algebra, order would not be maintained and assimilation would be harder to achieve.
3. Power of Affect, Exploration, Discovery, Choice, Curiosity, and Interest to Improve Learning
    I understand this concept as one that allows students to explore their creativity so that they can explore the possibilities of learning in the classroom. Too many teachers teach the curriculum and the students shadow them. But children need to discover their curiosity so that they can draw their own conclusions on the subject that they are learning.
4. Emphasis on finding meaning through knowledge construction.
   A person's knowledge is created as a result of different experiences that a person has in their environment. In a person's mind, knowledge is created all the time because you are working with new objects and you are using your previous knowledge so that you can understand new concepts.
5. Disequilibrium as the source of motivation.
    Disequilibrium is a concept that causes conflict in a student's mind. They are forced to think outside of the box so that they can figure out the inner workings of an object or a concept through creativity. But this conflict will give students the motivation that they need so that they can continue to figure out the solution. After they figure it out, they will return to the equilibrium stage.