EDU 101

Assessment Task 3: Formative Essay

Reflective Essay

To truly understand learning we must understand child

development
In order to truly understand learning, it is essential to have an insight understanding
of child development. Student learning is influenced by factors such as their ethnic
background, and personal up brings, however child development is the most
significant. Many people do not see the link between learning and child development;
although through the attendance of lectures and tutorials I believe that there is a
definite connection between the two. I agree that without understanding about child
development a full understanding of student learning cannot be gained.
In my opinion learning is an understanding process that students acquire to develop
knowledge, however; Piaget proves that student learning is not easily defined in one
statement. Learning involves the discovery of relevance as well as the involvement
of self-knowledge and self-awareness. (Claxton, 1999)
Piaget believes that children develop at many diverse stages relating to processing
and understanding knowledge. Piaget, a man of huge importance in the education
system, developed theories and was the founder of cognitive development. To
understand Piagets theory an understanding of cognitive development must be first
established. Cognitive development is a learning theory of psychology that attempts
to explain human behaviour by understanding the thought processes that occur.
(Krause, Bochner, et al. 2010)
The Sensori-motor stage is the first of four stages which occurs from birth to
approximately two years. Infants use their sensor and motor actions to explore the
world. Not being able to use symbols like gestures, images or words they learn from
the world and its surroundings. Following Sensori-motor stage is the Pre-operational
stage, occurring in children from two to seven years. Children in this stage think with
no perspective, so their unable to take in others perspective. (Marsh, 2010) These
children use their capacity for symbolic thought to develop language, solve problems
and engage in pretend play. I believe that the pre-operational stage is the most
beneficial to a childs life, as it is when they are most receptive and hungry for
learning.

Jessica Gorman

1059248

Page 1

EDU 101

Assessment Task 3: Formative Essay

Reflective Essay

Stage three is the Concrete Operations stage, and this happens at the age of seven
through to eleven. Children acquire concrete operations that allow them to mentally
classify, add and otherwise act on concrete objects in their head. The final stage of
Piagets theory is the Formal Operational stage that happens through adolescence.
With this age comes more experience, and therefore they can form hypotheses and
systematically test them using scientific methods. (Marsh, 2010) Physical and mental
stages of development are incredibly important for learning basic foundations of life.
Students learn from their life experiences and personal up bringings. It is
fundamental that schools set high expectations for all students and appreciate that
they have the capabilities to learn, understand and be successful. I believe it is
important schools optimise every students learning outcome, and not dwell well on
students low socio-economic background. Linking student learning and child
development in a school environment is unbelievably important, because without
understanding child development a complete understanding of student learning
cannot be gained.

Jessica Gorman

1059248

Page 2

EDU 101

Assessment Task 3: Formative Essay

Reflective Essay

Reference List

Claxton, G (1999). Wise Up: The Challenge of Lifelong Learning. New York:
Bloombury Publishing

Krause K., Bochner S., Duchesen S & McMaugh A. (2010) Educational Psychology
For Learning & Teaching (3rd edition) South Melbourne, Vic : Cengage learning
Australia Pty Limited

Marsh C. (2010) Becoming a Teacher- Knowledge, Skills and Issues (5th edition)
Frenchs Forests NSW: Pearson Australia

Jessica Gorman

1059248

Page 3