FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who proposed that learning involves assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration?

1. Vygotsky

2. Pavlov

3. Bandura

4. Piaget

The correct answer is: Piaget

The concept of assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration was developed by Jean Piaget, a prominent figure in the field of developmental psychology. Piaget proposed that cognitive development occurs through a series of stages, where children interact with their environment and build knowledge. Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals incorporate new experiences into their existing cognitive frameworks or schemas. When new information does not fit into an existing schema, accommodation occurs, leading to the modification of that schema to include the new information. Equilibration is the overall process of balancing assimilation and accommodation to create cognitive stability. These concepts are integral to Piaget's theory, illustrating how children learn and adapt as they encounter new challenges and information throughout their development. Understanding these terms helps educators and psychologists support effective learning practices and adapt their teaching strategies to better fit the cognitive stages of their students.