What are the four stages of cognitive development proposed by Piaget?

The four stages of cognitive development as proposed by Jean Piaget are indeed sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. This categorization reflects the progression of children's cognitive abilities as they mature.

In the sensorimotor stage (birth to about 2 years), infants learn about the world through their senses and actions. They develop object permanence, understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

The preoperational stage (approximately 2 to 7 years) follows, during which children begin to use language and engage in symbolic play. However, their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric, meaning they have difficulty understanding perspectives other than their own.

Next is the concrete operational stage (around 7 to 11 years), where children start to think logically about concrete events. They gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation and can classify objects based on multiple criteria.

Finally, the formal operational stage (from approximately 12 years and up) involves the development of abstract thinking and the ability to formulate hypotheses and deduce potential outcomes. Individuals can think about hypothetical situations and use logical reasoning.

Recognizing this framework provides educators and school leaders insights into the development of their students, enabling them to tailor teaching methods to