Abkilen, Harvard P.

Application 1 M2

What is the implication of the following theories in Education and to you as future
Educators?
Cognitive development
According to theories of cognitive development, including the one proposed by Jean Piaget,
students go through many phases of cognitive development. With this knowledge, as a future
teacher it can help me modify my pedagogical approaches to better maximize the cognitive
capacities of my students. For instance, giving my students challenges that are suitable for their
age and refrain from rushing them through complex ideas.
Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura's social learning theories and others like him emphasize the value of social
interactions and role modeling in the learning process. So as a future educator maximizing
collaboration between my students can help them since it enhances brainstorming and it gives
them confidence to voice out when needed.
Scaffolding and Zone of Proximal Development
Future educators should be skilled in assessing their students' ZPD and adapting their teaching
methods accordingly. They need to provide just enough assistance to help students bridge the
gap between what they can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. With this
theory in mind it helps me as future educator to know when to help a student or to whether let
them learn at their own pace.
Situated Theory
Situated learning theory, as advocated by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger, emphasizes the
importance of learning within the context in which it will be used. This theory suggests that
education should be more practical and directly applicable to real-life situations. So as a future
educator this helps me create planning in my future lessons and to incorporate real life
experiences in my teachings so that when the students will ever experience a situation I’ve given
they’ll know what to expect, do and how solve a certain real life situation.