Getting to know Jean Piaget in ten steps

Understanding the development of intelligence in children has been one of the greatest challenges in psychology and education. Among the great scholars of cognitive development, Jean Piaget (1896–1980) stands out as a pioneer, offering revolutionary insights into how children learn and evolve intellectually. His research has influenced generations of educators, psychologists, and parents worldwide. In this article, we will explore Piaget's legacy in ten essential steps, providing a clear and inspiring overview of his contributions to education and childhood development.

Jean Piaget was a Swiss biologist and epistemologist whose curiosity about children's thought processes led him to develop an entirely new understanding of human learning. He began his career studying mollusks but soon realized that his true passion was deciphering the way children's minds work. He noticed that children do not think like miniature adults but rather go through structured and predictable cognitive development stages. This discovery laid the foundation for what would become his theory of cognitive development.

The first major contribution of Piaget was the identification of four stages of cognitive development: the sensorimotor stage (0–2 years), preoperational stage (2–7 years), concrete operational stage (7–11 years), and formal operational stage (12 years and beyond). Each stage represents a qualitative leap in a child’s cognitive abilities, with unique characteristics that determine how they perceive and interact with the world. Understanding these stages is fundamental for educators and parents in adapting their teaching strategies to each child's development level.

One of Piaget’s key concepts is the idea of schemas, which are cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information. When children encounter new experiences, they assimilate them into existing schemas or accommodate their schemas to fit the new information. This continuous process of adaptation is the core of intellectual growth. For instance, a child who only knows dogs may initially call all four-legged animals "dogs." Over time, through experiences, they refine their schemas to differentiate between different species.

The concept of constructivism, which Piaget helped establish, is another cornerstone of his work. According to this theory, knowledge is not simply transmitted from teacher to student; rather, children actively build their understanding through exploration and discovery. This approach revolutionized education, shifting from a passive learning model to a more dynamic and interactive one. Today, constructivist teaching methods are widely used, encouraging students to engage, question, and experiment rather than simply memorize information.

Piaget’s research also revealed the importance of play in learning. He demonstrated that children use play to explore their environment, test new ideas, and develop problem-solving skills. This insight aligns with the methodologies created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, such as TBMB (Teatro de Bonecos Mané Beiçudo), MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), and ThM (Theater Movement). These methodologies use theatrical elements to stimulate cognitive and emotional development, reinforcing Piaget’s idea that hands-on experiences and creative expression are essential to learning.

Another fundamental aspect of Piaget’s theory is egocentrism in childhood. He observed that young children often have difficulty seeing things from others' perspectives. This characteristic gradually diminishes as they grow, particularly in the concrete operational stage when they start developing logical reasoning and empathy. Understanding this aspect helps educators and parents guide children towards more collaborative and socially aware interactions.

Piaget also introduced the concept of conservation, which refers to a child's ability to understand that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance. For example, a child in the preoperational stage may believe that a tall, narrow glass holds more liquid than a short, wide one, even if they contain the same amount. The development of conservation marks a critical point in cognitive maturity, highlighting how children's thinking evolves in structured steps.

His work significantly influenced modern education, inspiring strategies that prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement in learning. Many of his ideas have been incorporated into contemporary pedagogical approaches, including project-based learning and inquiry-based education. These approaches align with his belief that learning should be an active and self-directed process rather than a passive reception of information.

Piaget’s legacy remains alive in current studies on neurodevelopment and cognitive science. His theories continue to be tested and expanded upon, reinforcing the relevance of his findings in various educational contexts. The integration of his insights with modern methodologies, such as neuroscience and theatrical techniques, offers new perspectives on how to optimize the learning process for children and adolescents.

Understanding Piaget in these ten steps reveals the depth and impact of his work. His studies not only revolutionized psychology and education but also provided a foundation for how we understand learning and development today. As educators, parents, and researchers, embracing his ideas allows us to create richer, more effective learning environments that truly support children's intellectual and emotional growth. Piaget’s vision was clear: children are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge but active constructors of their own understanding. Recognizing and nurturing this potential is the key to fostering future generations of critical thinkers and innovators.

Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br

Click here.

https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos

To learn more, click here.

To learn more, click here.