Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Growth and Development (CGAD) Practice Exam

The foundation of Jean Piaget's theory is built around the concept of cognitive structures. Piaget's work emphasizes how children develop their understanding of the world through a series of stages, each characterized by distinct cognitive abilities and structures. He identified that children actively construct knowledge as they interact with their environment, organizing information into mental frameworks or schemas. As children grow, they adapt these schemas through processes of assimilation and accommodation, allowing them to make sense of new experiences and refine their understanding.

Cognitive structures are integral to Piaget's view of cognitive development, illustrating how thought processes evolve and become more complex over time. This framework has profoundly influenced educational practices by highlighting the importance of developmental readiness and how children learn differently at various stages of growth. Understanding this aspect of Piaget's theory is crucial for anyone involved in child development or education, as it underscores the cognitive processes that underpin learning and development.