CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR S.C. TEACHER CADET COURSE | EXPERIENCING EDUCATION, TENTH EDITION
Cognitive Lab Experiment
Objective: Students will be able to identify points made by theorists Piaget and Vygotsky
through conducting tasks and making observations.
Essential Question: What evidence is there that Piaget and Vygotsky’s theories are sound?
Activities:
1. Cadets will work with a teammate in producing a written lab report to share with
fellow Cadets. Remind Cadets that the purpose of these experiments is to better their
understanding of the need for developmentally appropriate materials and communication
styles in dealing with different age levels of children. Cadets may conduct these
experiments in preschools, kindergartens, or afterschool programs. They may also
conduct them with children in their families and neighborhoods. Remind Cadets to keep
the child's actual name in notes or reports confidential. It is important that they record the
exact age of the child.
2. One Cadet will do most of the talking to the child during the actual interview and tasks, and
the other will take notes in an unobtrusive way during the activity. Decide beforehand who
will do what. Establish rapport with the child, and be positive and friendly at all times
during this activity. If the child refuses to do an activity, do not press the issue. Go on to
something else. Have a good time!
3. Gather materials for the child to use, and bring them to school by the day of the activity.
Materials:
• Handout: “Conducting Tasks and Observations”
• Materials (provided by students): one short glass container, one tall glass container, food
coloring, measuring cup, Play-Doh®, seven vases, seven flowers, seven pennies
Assessment:
The students can be assessed on their written and oral reports about task results.
Time:
15 minutes to explain the task; 2 homework days outside of class; 1 hour to present
reports
Standards:
I.3.2: Students will recognize and recall cognitive stages of learners.
I.3.5: Students will make intrapersonal applications of developmental changes of learners.
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Theme I: Experiencing Learning
Unit 3: