Using What We Know: Applying Piaget's Developmental Theory to Primary Classrooms 1991
Distributed by Davidson Films, Inc., 735 Tank Farm Rd, Suite 210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; 888-437-4200
Produced Davidson Films, Inc
Director n/a
VHS, color, 35 min.
College
Child Development
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Rue Herbert, Head, Library Media Resources, University of South Florida, TampaUsing What We Know: Applying Piaget's Developmental Theory to Primary Classrooms utilizes actual elementary classrooms and students to illustrate various applications of Piaget's theories. Piaget scholar David Elkind, Ph.D. examines the approaches of three teachers, focusing on the physical and organizational aspects of their teaching environments. Each teacher and classroom offers a unique situation to apply Piaget's theories. Elements discussed include the physical surroundings of the students, rules and discipline, class size, diversity, cooperative learning, and multi-age groupings. Based upon his Piaget research, Dr. Elkind outlines four additional educational principles stated as "fluency precedes accuracy; children process information differently at each stage of development; horizontal elaboration precedes vertical integration; and, documentation is the best method of assessing children's progress."
The program provides excellent ideas for successful teaching methods, and illustrates the work of Jean Piaget in a clear, concise manner. The production standards of the program are excellent. Using What We Know: Applying Piaget's Developmental Theory to Primary Classrooms is highly recommended for academic libraries in support of elementary education study and research. Related titles available from Davidson Films, Inc. include Piaget's Developmental Theory: An Overview and Piaget's Developmental Theory: Concrete Operations.