Cognitive Development Case Study

Chapter 2 Analysis Questions:

1. From the perspective of Piaget's theory, in which stage of cognitive development is Laura? Justify your response.

Although Laura is 14 years old and according to Piaget she should be in the formal operational stage, she is actually in between the preoperational stage and the concrete operational stage. Laura's arguments do make sense and are logical, but they are not practical at all. Laura also displays egocentrism. She is very into herself and can't consider things from the perspective of others.

2. How is Laura's reasoning affected by her knowledge base--that is, by what she does and doesn't know about pollution?

Laura's reasoning is extremely affected by her lack of knowledge regarding pollution. For one she does not know about pollution. She also doesn't understand the real life function of an adult. She makes it sound like it would be no problem for a mother to take her kids to school and then drop of the trash to garbage dump.

3. By posing a series of questions, Mr. Marculescu continually challenges Laura to reconsider her thinking about the pollution problem. What are potential benefits of this strategy?

By posing a series of questions Mr. M. tries to get Laura to reconsider her thinking about the pollution problem. He is trying to get Laura to experience disequilibrium. He wants her brain to say, "oh this is new, I am not sure where this goes." If Laura is able to experience this it will mean she has learned something new. Mr. M's strategy is not working very well though because Laura always has a rebuttal, even if it is totally unpractical. Mr. M. is also trying to use scaffolding to help Laura come to a better argument. By posing questions he is trying to lead her to a better answer.

4. How does this scenario represent Piaget's and Vygotsky's conceptions of play?

This scenario represents Piaget's concept of play because Laura is actively debating her point of view. She is not just sitting back and listening, she is taking an active part. This scenario also represents Vygotsky's concept of play because Laura is taking on a role and pretending to be an adult who solves problems, such as pollution issues.

Special Needs and Learning Differences Case Study Analysis

1. What classic symptoms of a learning disability does Nathan exhibit?

Nathan gets distracted very easily and has a hard time concentrating on tasks. He also has a hard time finishing test and assignments. According to previous teachers, Nathan is also hyperactive.

2. What accommodations has Nathan received in the past?

In elementary school Nathan received special services in a resource room. He was also put on medications.

3. What strategies would you recommend to help Nathan with his learning disability? Why?

From Nathan symptoms, it looks like he has ADHD. To help him with his ADHD would recommend that his assignments be broken down into smaller components. He seems to be able to start his assignment and gets his answers right but he gets distracted and can not finish them. If his assignments were smaller than he would be able to complete more. I would also incorporate more hands-on activities into the curriculum. This will help Nathan to not get as bored and to stay on task. I would also move Nathan to a quite part of the classroom where distractions are less likely to occur. I would also create a record-keeping method to help monitor Nathan's assignments and would have him be involved in this. I would also talk to Nathan and just see what he thinks would help him. It is really important to ask your student what they think and not just assume you know what is best.

4. How many students like Nathan will you likely have in your class?

I will probably have one or two students like Nathan in my class. 5-10% of children in the United States have ADHD or ADD.

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