Page 23 - Class Portfolio2019

UNIT I
PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

STAGE 4: FORMAL OPERATIONAL STAGE (AGE 11-15)

During this stage, the child begins to develop their ability to hypothesize, test and
reevaluate hypothesis. Children begin thinking in a formal systematic way. Child becomes able
to reason not only about tangible objects and events, but also about hypothetical or abstract
ones.

This stage is characterized by the following:

Hypothetical reasoning – this is the ability to come up with the different hypothesis about a
problem and to gather weigh data in order to make a final decision or judgment. These can be
done on the absence of concrete objects.

Analogical reasoning – this is the ability to perceive the relationship in one instance and then
use that relationship to narrow down possible answers in another similar situation or problem.
The individual in the formal operations stage can make an analogy.

Deductive Reasoning – this is the ability to think logically by applying a general rule to a
particular instance or situation.

From Piaget’s findings and comprehensive theory, we can derive the following principles.

1. Children will provide different explanations of reality at different stages of cognitive
development.
2. Cognitive development is facilitated by providing activities or situations that engage
learners and require adaptation.
3. Learning materials and activities should involve the appropriate level of motor or mental
operations for a child of given age, avoid asking students to perform tasks that are
beyond their current cognitive capabilities.
4. Use teaching methods that actively involve students and present challenges.

References:

 Giles,T. W(March 1995). A Piagetian View of Learning styles.
 Thomas, W., & Kingma J. (1996). Three Theories of Cognitive Representation and Their
Evaluation Standards of Training Effects. 1-49.

Activity:

 Create a group into 4 and act the assigned stage of Piaget’s Cognitive Development.

14 | P a g e