Synectic
Exercise on Piaget, Erikson, Social Learning and Vygotsky
1.
Working with Piaget is like pouring the foundation for a new house.
Piaget’s theory is similar to laying the foundation of a house because it encompasses only the early years of a person’s life as opposed to the entire lifecycle. These early stages are crucial however, if one is to build a strong, sturdy home. The laying of foundation in children’s learning is vital to future feelings of self worth and esteem. Like Piaget’s theory, laying a foundation requires stages that follow an invariant sequence however; it is the contractor’s style, skill and expertise that invariably determine the house’s realization. So true is a child, moving through the stages affected by their environment and those of influence.
2.
Erikson’s theory is like taking a family portrait.
Each generation and age group captured by the photograph will pose challenges for the photographer. The young toddlers will not stay still long enough for the shutter to snap. They will be off exploring their surroundings and discovering new things about the environment. The adolescents, most of whom didn’t want to come in the first place, will need to be convinced to give a big smile for the camera. The young adults are secretly deliberating about whether it was correct to have their significant others in the photo because they aren’t sure if they are “the one”. Those subjects in middle adulthood are trying to keep track of their own children while helping their elderly grandparents into a comfortable position for the picture. This photograph will mimic Erikson’s eight stages through the lifecycle, and an individuals struggle between extremes in each.
3.
Social Learning Theory is like figure skating.
Although a figure skating coach can teach students
the basic elements that encompass the sport, artistry and expression are skills
that cannot be explained. Children
who excel at compulsory elements as well as presentation are those who have
imitated what they have seen from those around them that have such qualities.
So too, does Social Learning Theory help us as teachers, assist students
by modeling. Like a figure skating
club, school is a society of it’s own where children learn how to adapt to
situations and handle conflict. Bandura’s
theory helps us understand how our actions, planned or not, shape the children
around us.
4.
Understanding Vygotsky’s theory is like going on a trip to paradise.
No teacher can know a child’s own definition of paradise, therefore, it would be impossible to teach or tell her how to get there. A teacher can simply be a mentor, helping the child through their own journey of possibility, providing tools and guidance until the child realizes their potential or paradise.