Racheal Gill FHS 2600 Theory Comparison

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There have been many influencing theorist that have shed light on the development stages and behavior of early childhood. Although not all theorists have the same views, I think there is something positive to take away from each of them. I will briefly discuss some of the major influential theorists and their contrasting views that have had a major impact on childrens learning and development. I will then give my opinion on what theorist made the biggest impact on me, and who I have contrasting views with. Erick Erickson and Abraham Maslow both viewed the motivation to learn comes from social and personality development (Bredekamp, pg 110). Ericksons theory of contrasting stages is environmentally influenced. He follows a both/and approach for children between his crises. Based off the experiences a child goes through will determine what side of development the child will learn the most from. There is a balance that needs to be found with Ericksons theory. Maslow developed selfactualization theory that identifies learning and behaviors as motivators in a ladder of basic needs and growth needs for a healthy personality development (Bredekamp, pg 109). Maslows hierarchy is a foundation that can be built upon. He has depicted the standard of needs that help promote childrens physical, psychological, and emotional safety. Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotskys theories are more focused on cognitive development. Piaget also believed that biology has a direct influence in cognitive development that he has illustrated in four stages. Children hypothesize and experiment to find out how the world works around them. Vygotsky sociocultural theory stated that children learn from their social interactions within their cultural context

Gill 2 (Bredekamp, pg. 116). He also believed that language was the most important learning tool for children because conversation becomes part of ones thinking. I fully support Vygotskys view on scaffolding. I think it is important to let the child experience and explore on their own, but they still need to have a caregiver present to provide assistance but not interfere. Piaget and Vygotsky both facilitate the teachers and caregivers, along with addressing the various developmental stages of children. B.F. Skinner was a behaviorist who developed a theory called operant conditioning. This is when a caregiver uses positive and negative reinforcements to seek a favorable outcome in the childs behavior. I was feeling a little skeptical of this theory, until I read this line that puts behaviorism into a better perspective, Behaviorism is a learning theory, not a theory of development (Bredekamp, pg. 122). If you are only focusing on the behavior, this is an excellent theory. Reggio Emilia approach is a combination of theories that I have previously discussed, along with further expansions. Teachers are meant to be partners with the children and the learning goes back and forth between them. The curriculum is not preset; instead it is based off the childs interest and what topics they question. There is intentional teaching however. The teachers will have plans to follow up certain inquiries the children may have. Projects and documentation is a major facet of this approach. The Reggio Emilia schools are in Italy so it is culturally different than what we are used to here in America. However, many take these teachings and incorporate it into their centers. Overall, there is something to learn from each of these leaders in early childhood development. I agree with the crises that Erickson has outlined. I think it is true that the experiences a child goes through will shape their development. I was also highly inclined by Vygostky. Culture has a major influence on how a child will develop, along with their social interactions within that culture. The Reggio Emilia approach was my favorite. There is so much to learn from children and so much they can learn

Gill 3 from us. Having the view of children as strong, powerful and rich in potential with equal rights is exactly how I see them (Bredekamp, pg. 129). I find myself the least swayed by Skinners approach. If you are trying to control a childs choice by giving them certain reinforcements, you are not allowing them to make decisions based off their own wants. They will only behave the way you train them to. I feel like this takes away part of their own free will, and may cause them not to try new experiences.

Work Cited Bredekamp, Sue. Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation. Second ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2014. Print.