Summary Learning Psychology

Introduction

Erik Erikson

Erik H. Erikson (1902–1994) developed an influential theory of psychosocial development. Cognitive

development occurs hand in hand with social development; you cannot separate the two. This is why
Erikson’s theory is so important. According to Erikson, children’s personalities and social skills grow and
develop within the context of society and in response to society’s demands, expectations, values, and
social institutions, such as families, schools, and other child care programs. As part of his education,
Erikson studied Freudian theory with Anna Freud, Sigmund’s daughter, and participated in Montessori
teacher training. For Erikson, psychosocial development is largely the successful identity with parents,
family, and society. Adults, especially parents and teachers, are principal components of these
environments and therefore play a powerful role in helping or hindering children in their personality and
cognitive development. For example, school-age children must deal with demands to learn new skills or
risk a sense of incompetence—a crisis of “industry versus inferiority.” We discuss Erikson’s theory in
more detail in chapter 5 and relate his psychosocial theory to care and education.

Piaget’s Theory of Learning

Lev Vygotsky and Sociocultural Theory

Abraham Maslow and Self-Actualization Theory

Erik Erikson

Howard Gardner

Urie Bronfenbrenner and Ecological Theory