Theoretical Comparisons Table
Research to
Theorist/Theory Likes/Strengths
Piagets well-known stages of
cognitive development are the
essence of the developmentally
appropriate practices that are
highly respected in the field of
early childhood education.
Piaget Likewise, these stages are key
to helping children learn
through active exploration and
in creating a stimulating
environment for them to learn
and grow.
The zone of proximal
development and scaffolding
strategies are the major
components of Vygotskys
sociocultural theory.
Vygotsky
MICHELLY SILVA
Research to Support
Dislikes/Limitations
Support Strengths Limitations
To illustrate, Critics also
The textbook states
Nevertheless, Piaget point out that Piagets stage
that, Piaget
did not take the wise account pays
convinced the field
nurture aspect of insufficient attention to
that children are
development into social and cultural
active learners whose
consideration. The influencesand the resulting
minds consist of rich
differences between wide variation in thinking
structures of
how children learn among children and
knowledge (Berk,
based on their adolescents of the same age
2013, section 1,4,
diverse backgrounds. (Berk, 2013, section 1.4,
para.29).
para. 30).
Research stimulated
by Vygotskys
theory reveals that
children in every
culture develop
unique strengths
(Berk, 2013, section
1.5, para. 23). On the other hand, But Vygotskys emphasis
Vygotskys theory on culture and social
lacks the physical experience led him to neglect
and cognitive the biological side of
implications of a development (Berk, 2013,
childs experiences. section 1.5, para. 23).
 Theoretical Comparisons Table
The bioecological model
offers a more balanced view on controlled by
how nature and nurture
impacts development.
Bronfenbrenner
This belief encourages
bringing the childs family,
community, and overall
society into the picture.
The major component of
social leaning theory is
learning through imitation.
Modeling, positive and
negative reinforcement, re-
Bandura direction, and re-assurance are responses. It has
common classroom
management strategies that are a wide range of
effective in advancing positive serious
behavior and dealing with
behavioral issues.
The operant conditioning
theory highlights the concept
of stimulus and response.
Skinner
Children can understand
values of discipline and
delayed gratification.
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As, In ecological
systems theory,
development is
Yet, the The system is dynamic, or
neither entirely
interconnection constantly in motion. A
between the various change in any part of it
environmental
levels in the childs from brain growth to
circumstances nor
ecological system physical and social
driven solely by
make changes in surroundingsdisrupts the
inner dispositions.
development very current organism
Rather, children are
complex and environment relationship
both products and
difficult to keep up (Berk, 2013, section 1.5,
producers of their
with. para.36).
environments
(Berk, 2013, section
1.5, para.25)
Behavior
modification consists
of procedures that
combine
conditioning and
modeling to
eliminate undesirable However, by
social learning theory have
behaviors and assuming that
also been criticized for
increase desirable children only learn
underestimating childrens
from others puts
contributions to their own
been used to relieve limits in the childs
development (section 1.4,
innate ability to
para.23).
learn.
developmental
problems, such as
persistent
aggression, language
delays, and extreme
fears
Although
As a result of behaviorism
Skinners work, supports cause and behaviorism and social
operant conditioning effect it does not learning theory offer too
became a broadly prepare children to narrow a view of important
applied learning understand environmental influences
principle (Berk, uncontrollable (Berk, 2013, section 1.4,
2013, section 1.4, circumstances like para.23).
para.16). other people, and
unexpected events.
 Theoretical Comparisons Table
Eight Psychosocial stages.
Point out the importance of
parenting styles, attachment
Erikson
types, family structures,
childrens temperament, and
socioemotional needs.
Information Processing is
closely related to brain
research and brain based
approaches to learning.
Information
Processing Educators use testing and
assessments to formulate
teaching and intervention plans
tailored to the specific
academic needs of children.
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Psychoanalytic
theory has also
inspired a wealth of
research on many
aspects of emotional
and social
psychoanalytic ideas, such
development,
as psychosexual stages and
including infant
These stages cover ego functioning, are too
caregiver attachment,
birth to old age. vague to be tested
aggression, sibling
empirically (Berk, 2013,
relationships, child-
section 1.4, para.12).
rearing practices,
morality, gender
roles, and adolescent
identity (Berk,
2013, section 1.4,
para.11).
The disadvantage of
it has provided
focusing on the
precise accounts of
scientific side of
how children of
learning is that it
different ages engage For example, it has had
inclines to the
in many aspects of little to say about aspects of
traditional teacher
thinking, its findings childrens cognition that are
centered education,
have led to teaching not linear and logical, such
thus neglecting
methods that help as imagination and
child-centered
children approach creativity (Berk, 2013,
education that
academic tasks in section 1.5, para. 6).
corresponds to the
more advanced
childs social and
ways (Berk, 2013,
emotional needs like
section 1.5, para. 6).
recess and free time.
 Theoretical Comparisons Table MICHELLY SILVA

These theorists emphasized

a legal agreement
Montessori, the power of play, the
among nations that
Froebel, environment, and sensory
commits each
& Theories of integration in a childs
cooperating country Because, one important
Play development. In todays Critics disagree
to work toward factor influencing public
classrooms, especially, in between what kinds
guaranteeing policies is the extent to
(Groos pre- classrooms for young children of play and adult-
environments that which a societys values are
exercise theory, the use of toys and concrete child interactions
foster childrens individualistic (emphasizing
Lazarus and objects for hands-on activities and child-
development, protect individual well-being) or
Patricks are a big part of learning. environment are the
them from harm, and collectivist (emphasizing
relaxation most beneficial and
enhance their group needs and goals)
theory, and In applying these views one or essential to a
community (Berk, 2013, section 1,
Schillers and can foster the childs childs development.
participation and summary).
Spencers independence and carefully
self-determination
surplus energy plan settings and materials
(Berk, 2013, section
theory). both in and out of the
1.7, para. 17).
classroom.