Child Development and Pedagogy notes JKTET EXAM Chapter 3: Learning Theories

 

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Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)

Chapter 3: Learning Theories

(As per CTET & JKTET Pattern – Detailed Theory + Comparative Tables + MCQs)

Learning theories are highly important for JKTET and CTET examinations. Questions are frequently asked from the theories of major psychologists, especially regarding stages, key concepts, classroom implications, and comparison. The most important theorists include Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Lawrence Kohlberg.

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1️⃣ Cognitive Development Theory – Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget believed that children actively construct their own knowledge. Learning occurs through interaction with the environment. According to him, intelligence develops in stages and each stage represents a different way of thinking.

Stages of Cognitive Development

Stage	Age Group	Major Characteristics
Sensorimotor	0–2 years	Learning through senses and actions, object permanence develops
Pre-operational	2–7 years	Symbolic thinking, egocentrism, lack of logical reasoning
Concrete Operational	7–11 years	Logical thinking about concrete objects, conservation develops
Formal Operational	11+ years	Abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning

Important Concepts

Concept	Meaning
Schema	Mental framework for understanding
Assimilation	Adding new information to existing schema
Accommodation	Modifying schema to fit new information
Adaptation	Balance between assimilation and accommodation

Examination Focus

Piaget emphasized that development precedes learning. Children cannot skip stages. Teaching must match the cognitive level of the child.

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2️⃣ Social Development Theory – Lev Vygotsky

Vygotsky emphasized the importance of social interaction in learning. He believed that learning is a social and cultural process. According to him, cognitive development occurs through guidance from adults or more knowledgeable peers.

Key Concepts

Concept	Explanation
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)	Difference between what child can do alone and with help
Scaffolding	Temporary support given by teacher
Language	Tool for thinking and communication
Social Interaction	Essential for learning

Examination Focus

Vygotsky believed that learning leads development. Cooperative learning, peer discussion, and teacher guidance are important in classroom teaching.

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3️⃣ Moral Development Theory – Lawrence Kohlberg

Kohlberg focused on moral reasoning. He proposed that moral development occurs in stages and is based on justice and fairness.

Levels of Moral Development

Level	Stage	Characteristics
Pre-Conventional	Stage 1 & 2	Obedience and self-interest
Conventional	Stage 3 & 4	Social approval and law & order
Post-Conventional	Stage 5 & 6	Social contract and universal ethical principles

Examination Focus

Moral reasoning develops gradually. Higher stages reflect advanced moral thinking. Not all individuals reach post-conventional level.

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Comparative Table for Quick Revision

Basis	Piaget	Vygotsky	Kohlberg
Focus	Cognitive development	Social interaction	Moral reasoning
Key Concept	Stages of thinking	ZPD & Scaffolding	Moral stages
Role of Teacher	Facilitator	Guide/Supporter	Moral discussion leader
Development vs Learning	Development first	Learning leads development	Moral reasoning develops in stages

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20 Most Important MCQs

1. Who proposed the Cognitive Development Theory?
   A. Vygotsky
   B. Piaget
   C. Kohlberg
   D. Skinner
   Answer: B

2. Sensorimotor stage covers age
   A. 2–7 years
   B. 7–11 years
   C. 0–2 years
   D. 11+ years
   Answer: C

3. Egocentrism is seen in
   A. Formal stage
   B. Concrete stage
   C. Pre-operational stage
   D. Sensorimotor stage
   Answer: C

4. Abstract thinking develops in
   A. Pre-operational
   B. Sensorimotor
   C. Concrete
   D. Formal operational
   Answer: D

5. ZPD was given by
   A. Piaget
   B. Kohlberg
   C. Vygotsky
   D. Bruner
   Answer: C

6. Scaffolding means
   A. Punishment
   B. Temporary support
   C. Competition
   D. Testing
   Answer: B

7. According to Vygotsky, learning is
   A. Individual
   B. Mechanical
   C. Social
   D. Random
   Answer: C

8. Moral development theory was proposed by
   A. Piaget
   B. Kohlberg
   C. Vygotsky
   D. Freud
   Answer: B

9. Pre-conventional level focuses on
   A. Law and order
   B. Universal ethics
   C. Obedience and punishment
   D. Social contract
   Answer: C

10. Conservation develops in
    A. Sensorimotor
    B. Pre-operational
    C. Concrete operational
    D. Formal operational
    Answer: C

11. According to Piaget, children are
    A. Passive learners
    B. Active constructors
    C. Dependent learners
    D. Mechanical learners
    Answer: B

12. Language plays central role in theory of
    A. Piaget
    B. Vygotsky
    C. Kohlberg
    D. Watson
    Answer: B

13. Moral reasoning at highest level is
    A. Pre-conventional
    B. Conventional
    C. Post-conventional
    D. Punishment stage
    Answer: C

14. Logical thinking about concrete objects appears in
    A. Formal stage
    B. Concrete stage
    C. Pre-operational
    D. Sensorimotor
    Answer: B

15. Adaptation includes
    A. Reinforcement
    B. Assimilation & Accommodation
    C. Punishment
    D. Conditioning
    Answer: B

16. Peer learning is emphasized by
    A. Piaget
    B. Vygotsky
    C. Kohlberg
    D. Thorndike
    Answer: B

17. Stage theory is mainly associated with
    A. Piaget
    B. Skinner
    C. Pavlov
    D. Bandura
    Answer: A

18. Moral development is related to
    A. Intelligence
    B. Height
    C. Reasoning about right and wrong
    D. Memory
    Answer: C

19. Hypothetical thinking develops in
    A. Sensorimotor
    B. Concrete
    C. Formal
    D. Pre-operational
    Answer: C

20. In CTET/JKTET, most questions from learning theories focus on
    A. Dates
    B. Birthplace
    C. Classroom application
    D. Personal life
    Answer: C

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