This essay discusses the theory of cognitive development in relation to mathematical knowledge. The age I have chosen is five to six years of age. To begin, I will discuss Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development, then linking Vygotsky's theory to the Australian Curriculum and describing how the development of maths knowledge is encouraged within Vygotsky's theory, followed by discussing Piaget's theory of development and whether to consider if that is best suited for the age group I have chosen. To conclude my essay, I will summarize both of the theories and chose which is best suited for the learning of mathematics for the age level I have chosen. .
Lev Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development looks at how children learn from the environment around them. Vygotsky believed children are born with certain mental functions such as the ability to focus on particular objects. However, according to his theory children lack higher mental functions such as thinking and problem solving. It is through the guidance learning and assistance from those more knowledgeable that are able to help children to learn. Vygotsky believed that children learn through the interactions within their surroundings. According to (Oates, 2004. P.35) Vygotsky theory of children and adolescents is greater when they work in their zone of Proximal Development. .
In order for children to reach their Zone of Proximal development, Vygotsky argued that the support from adults and more capable individuals, such as peers is required to further an individual's development (Smith, Cowie, Blades 2003.P.498). A great example would be a five year old maybe not be able to subtract 12-6 but by using pictures and the teachers guidance demonstrating how many apple she has, then asking her to take away six apples using the picture card this would help the her learn to get her answer and encourage her to learn and use her thinking skills to solve the equation.