HED4813
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, HED4813 ASSESSMENT 3 2026
DUE 30 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1: CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF PIAGET'S STAGES OF COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR EFFECT ON MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Introduction
Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who developed one of the most important
theories about how children's thinking develops (McLeod, 2009). His theory explains
that children go through four stages of mental growth, and each stage changes how
they understand the world. Piaget (1970) believed that children actively build their
knowledge through interacting with their environment. These stages are not just about
age but represent different ways of thinking. Understanding these stages helps teachers
know what children can and cannot do at different ages. This knowledge is essential for
planning effective mathematics teaching. As Van de Walle (2013) explains,
mathematical concepts only exist in the mind, so teachers must use models to help
children see and understand these ideas. I will explains Piaget’s four stages of cognitive
development and examines how each stage influences children’s ability to learn
mathematics. It also provides practical teaching strategies that can be used to support
learners at each stage and considers the implications of Piaget’s theory for the South
African curriculum.
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, HED4813 ASSESSMENT 3 2026
DUE 30 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1: CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF PIAGET'S STAGES OF COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR EFFECT ON MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Introduction
Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who developed one of the most important
theories about how children's thinking develops (McLeod, 2009). His theory explains
that children go through four stages of mental growth, and each stage changes how
they understand the world. Piaget (1970) believed that children actively build their
knowledge through interacting with their environment. These stages are not just about
age but represent different ways of thinking. Understanding these stages helps teachers
know what children can and cannot do at different ages. This knowledge is essential for
planning effective mathematics teaching. As Van de Walle (2013) explains,
mathematical concepts only exist in the mind, so teachers must use models to help
children see and understand these ideas. I will explains Piaget’s four stages of cognitive
development and examines how each stage influences children’s ability to learn
mathematics. It also provides practical teaching strategies that can be used to support
learners at each stage and considers the implications of Piaget’s theory for the South
African curriculum.
