HED4813
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 147511
DUE DATE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
, Mathematics Education
Question 1: Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development and Mathematics
Education
Introduction
Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development remains one of the most influential
frameworks in educational psychology. His four stages—sensorimotor, preoperational,
concrete operational, and formal operational—describe how children progress in their
ability to think, reason, and solve problems. Mathematics, which requires logical
reasoning, abstract thought, and problem-solving, is closely linked to these stages. In
the South African context, Piaget’s theory offers vital insights into curriculum design and
differentiated instruction, particularly within the Curriculum and Assessment Policy
Statement (CAPS). This essay critically discusses each stage of cognitive development,
its influence on mathematical learning, examples of effective teaching strategies, and
the implications for curriculum planning in diverse classrooms.
Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
1. Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years)
The sensorimotor stage is characterised by learning through physical interaction with
the environment. Children develop object permanence—the understanding that objects
continue to exist even when unseen (Piaget, 1952).
Mathematics implication: At this stage, learners are not yet ready for formal
mathematics instruction. However, they begin developing pre-mathematical
concepts such as size, shape, and cause-effect relationships.
Example: Activities like stacking blocks, sorting shapes, or using toys to
demonstrate “more” and “less” lay the foundation for number sense.
2. Preoperational Stage (2–7 years)
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 147511
DUE DATE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
, Mathematics Education
Question 1: Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development and Mathematics
Education
Introduction
Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development remains one of the most influential
frameworks in educational psychology. His four stages—sensorimotor, preoperational,
concrete operational, and formal operational—describe how children progress in their
ability to think, reason, and solve problems. Mathematics, which requires logical
reasoning, abstract thought, and problem-solving, is closely linked to these stages. In
the South African context, Piaget’s theory offers vital insights into curriculum design and
differentiated instruction, particularly within the Curriculum and Assessment Policy
Statement (CAPS). This essay critically discusses each stage of cognitive development,
its influence on mathematical learning, examples of effective teaching strategies, and
the implications for curriculum planning in diverse classrooms.
Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
1. Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years)
The sensorimotor stage is characterised by learning through physical interaction with
the environment. Children develop object permanence—the understanding that objects
continue to exist even when unseen (Piaget, 1952).
Mathematics implication: At this stage, learners are not yet ready for formal
mathematics instruction. However, they begin developing pre-mathematical
concepts such as size, shape, and cause-effect relationships.
Example: Activities like stacking blocks, sorting shapes, or using toys to
demonstrate “more” and “less” lay the foundation for number sense.
2. Preoperational Stage (2–7 years)
