Concrete Operational Thought Involves Applying Logical Thinking To Solve Problems

Introduction

Concrete operational thought is one of the stages of cognitive development in children, according to Jean Piaget’s theory. This stage occurs between ages 7 to 12, where children start to think logically and systematically about concrete events. They can also understand the concept of conservation, reversibility, classification, and seriation. In this article, we will discuss how concrete operational thought involves applying logical thinking to solve problems.

The Nature of Concrete Operational Thought

At this stage of cognitive development, children have a better understanding of the world around them. They can use their logical thinking to solve problems, and they start to think about multiple variables and their relationships. Children at this stage can understand the concept of reversibility, which means they can reverse an action mentally. For example, they can understand that if you pour water from a tall glass into a short glass, the amount of water is still the same.

Applying Logical Thinking to Solve Problems

Concrete operational thought involves applying logical thinking to solve problems. Children at this stage can solve problems using trial and error. They use their logical thinking to come up with solutions to problems. They can also understand that there are multiple ways to solve a problem, and they can choose the best solution based on their logic.

Classification

Classification is another concept that children at this stage can understand. They can classify objects based on their similarities and differences. For example, they can group animals based on their characteristics, such as mammals, birds, or reptiles.

Seriation

Seriation is another concept that children at this stage can understand. They can arrange objects in a particular order based on their characteristics. For example, they can arrange sticks based on their length, from the shortest to the longest.

Examples of Applying Concrete Operational Thought

Here are some examples of how children can apply concrete operational thought to solve problems:

Mathematics

Children at this stage can understand mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They can use their logical thinking to solve math problems and understand the relationships between numbers.

Science

Children at this stage can understand scientific concepts such as cause and effect, and they can apply their logical thinking to solve scientific problems. For example, they can understand that plants need sunlight to grow, and they can conduct experiments to test their hypothesis.

Language

Children at this stage can understand the rules of language and can use their logical thinking to understand the relationships between words. They can also use their logical thinking to solve language puzzles such as crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, concrete operational thought involves applying logical thinking to solve problems. Children at this stage can understand the concept of conservation, reversibility, classification, and seriation. They can use their logical thinking to solve problems in various fields such as mathematics, science, and language. By understanding the nature of concrete operational thought, parents and educators can help children develop their logical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.