Erikson and Piaget free essay sample

Erikson versus Piaget: Active and Passive Learning Billy Jenkins Grand Canyon University: PSY 650 January 27, 2012 Abstract In this paper, the idea of active versus passive learning is discussed, as well as the major learning theories of Piaget and Erikson. Furthermore, their major learning theories are compared to each other and applied to the principles of active and passive learning. Because of my teaching and classroom experience, the application of active and passive learning will be applied to childhood development and learning. In addition, the learning theories of Piaget and Erikson, and their similarities and differences in relation to passive and active learning, will be applied to the classroom as well. Active versus Passive Learning According to Petress (2008), active and passive learning is often discussed in education journal articles and presented to teachers at in-service meetings. Active learning is the opposite of passive learning just as the active learning student is different from the passive learning student. The passive student is solely dependent on the teacher and what the teacher teaches in the classroom. The active learner depends slightly on the teacher, but takes learning a little further toward individualized, intrinsic learning. They are not overly dependent on a teacher because actively learning makes the student a partner in the process of learning. Teachers are often used as a resource for the active learners†¦ a resource that guides the learning process and motivates further educational learning. Passive learning requires little student involvement or overt work, and it is not self-reinforcing. On the other hand, according to Petress (2008), active learning is self-reinforcing and the student is intrinsically motivated to learn because learning is enjoyable, motivating, and extremely effective in getting tasks done. The difference between the two learners is that information learned passively will not be retained well and is not as effective or enthusiastically applied, whereas information learned actively will be retained better and is more effectively and enthusiastically applied to other areas of learning. Characteristics of Active and Passive Learners Active learners can frequently be observed performing such behaviors as: asking clarifying questions to stimulate further learning, challenging ideas to increase intellect and social dialogue, following up on learning through personal extensions by applying what is learned, connecting recently learned material with previously learned material, discussing learned concepts with others, keeping an enthusiastic attitude toward learning, exchanging and sharing views, and keeping an open mind to increase reasoning skills (Drew, 2011). On the other hand, according to Drew (2011), passive learners can frequently be observed exhibiting behaviors such as: diminished motivation and enthusiasm toward spontaneous learning, minimal transference of what is learned, a stunted retention because learning is not connected, minimal questioning, and infrequent exchanging of views. Classroom Implications Teachers seem to have an easier and more successful task in dealing with and instructing active learners as opposed to passive learners. This is due in part because active learners realize that the material presented by the teacher or the readings required in the classroom seem to be difficult which prompts the active learner to ask clarifying questions to avoid major difficulties later. Passive learners, on the other hand, often fail to realize the small barriers to learning until they become major ones. Consequently, active learners seek help or tutoring with difficult concepts sooner than the passive learners because the passive learners wait until the barriers are often insurmountable. In the classroom, active learners help teachers by providing relevant examples often adding to the classroom dialogue; whereas passive learners typically refuse providing examples thus blunting class dialogue (Petress, 2008). Consequently, according to Petress (2008), active versus passive learning behaviors do not disappear when students leave school and enter the workforce. Thus, the active learner typically has better opportunities for advancement than do passive learners. Often passive learners adapt in the workforce, but the process is often slow and painful. Obviously, active learning is the preferred way of learning. Teaching, rewarding, and promoting active learning is easiest when begun early. Teachers, parents, and other stakeholders working with students need competent instruction that can easily be applied toward rewarding, reinforcing, and extending the active learning behaviors. Piaget According to Belsky (2010), Piaget was an advocate and strong believer that children learn through hands-on experiences. He believed that children learn by acting on and in the physical world, meaning that children learn by experiencing what is around them. Piaget categorized learning into four stages of development, sensorimotor, preoperations, concrete operations, and formal operations. In the sensorimotor (ages 0-2), infants learn by manipulating objects, thus equating this manipulation to the basics of physical reality. In the preoperations stage ages 2-7), children’s perceptions are built upon their immediate appearances, meaning whatever they see, is reality. In the concrete operations stage (ages 8-12), children begin to develop a more realistic understanding of what is around them, but abstract thinking is often difficult or lacking. In the formal operations stage (ages 12+), reasoning is at its peak and children begin to think hypothetically until full cognitive potential is reached. Jean Piaget’s work has greatly influenced constructivist educators through what we now call discovery learning. Fogarty (1999) explains that Piaget’s main theory premise is that the learners’ interactions lead to structural changes in how they think based on data assimilation.