Equilibrium
Piaget's concept of equilibrium is based on the idea that a child seeks a balance between his concept of the world and what he sees, hears, or feels about the world, his perception of the world. The child and adult develops concepts or schemata that explain what they perceive in order to match the data perceived, like an experiment and a theory in science. Equilibrium exists when the concept explains and does not conflict with the perception. Equilibrium is a vacation from accommodation.
Equilibration is the process to get back to equilibrium. A constant state of equilibrium would result in no new knowledge structures forming or being altered. As we become older, it becomes easier to disengage from situations in which we are presented with new information that contradict our schema. In the Piaget on Piaget video, Irene is in a state of disequilibrium when she is trying to build the tower with equal volume. She seems to feel that her structure is wrong but is unable to figure out why. This would be defined as a 'teachable moment' which we see illustrated in the video above where the parent can correct the child and help form a new schema around the word cat. What is the difference between these two situations?
Does scientific experimentation encourage disequilibrium? How does the peer review process affect the development of knowledge?
When was the last time you experienced disequilibrium? What strategies did you use to reconstruct your schemata in order to attain equilibrium?
Once again, do the ideas and examples within this video match the understanding brought forth by von Glasersfeld?
Please share your thoughts in Discuss the Equilibrium.
Does scientific experimentation encourage disequilibrium? How does the peer review process affect the development of knowledge?
When was the last time you experienced disequilibrium? What strategies did you use to reconstruct your schemata in order to attain equilibrium?
Once again, do the ideas and examples within this video match the understanding brought forth by von Glasersfeld?
Please share your thoughts in Discuss the Equilibrium.