COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ITS ROLE IN EFFECTIVE PEDAGOGY
Keywords:
Cognitive development, learning psychology, pedagogy, constructivism, zone of proximal development, metacognition, information processing, developmental stages, critical thinking, problem-solving, learner-centered education, cognitive growth, educational psychology, teaching strategies, mental processesAbstract
Cognitive development forms the psychological foundation of
human learning and educational practice. Understanding how learners think, reason,
and construct knowledge is essential for designing effective pedagogy. This paper
explores major theories of cognitive development, including those of Piaget, Vygotsky,
and Bruner, and examines how cognitive psychology shapes modern instructional
strategies. It highlights the relationship between cognition and pedagogy, discusses
developmental stages, and evaluates practical classroom applications. Ultimately, it
argues that integrating cognitive theory into pedagogy promotes not only intellectual
growth but also independent, reflective, and creative learners.
References
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Slavin, R. E. (2018). Educational psychology: Theory and practice. Pearson.
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