Developmental Theories

Piaget's theory could be used to support Sarah by:

• Breaking down complex math concepts into smaller, more manageable chunks. This would help Sarah to assimilate the new information into her existing schemas.
• Using concrete manipulatives and real-world examples to teach math concepts. This would help Sarah to anchor the abstract concepts of math to concrete experiences.
• Providing opportunities for Sarah to explore math concepts on her own. This would help Sarah to accommodate her schemas to new information.

Vygotsky's Developmental Theory

According to Vygotsky's developmental theory, children learn through social interaction and collaboration with more knowledgeable peers or adults. Children learn best when they are working within their zone of proximal development (ZPD), which is the range of tasks that they can complete with assistance from a more skilled individual.

Vygotsky's theory could be used to support Sarah by:

• Providing Sarah with opportunities to work with a tutor or peer mentor. This would give her the opportunity to receive individualized instruction and support.
• Using cooperative learning activities in the classroom. This would allow Sarah to learn from her classmates and to contribute her own knowledge and skills to the group.
• Scaffolding instruction to meet Sarah's individual needs. This would provide her with the support she needs to complete tasks that are just beyond her current level of understanding.

Which Theory Provides the Most Appropriate Support?

Vygotsky's developmental theory provides the most appropriate support for Sarah because it emphasizes the importance of social interaction and collaboration in learning. Sarah is more likely to succeed in math if she is given opportunities to work with others and to receive individualized instruction and support. Piaget's theory is also important, but it does not place as much emphasis on the social aspects of learning.

In addition to using Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories to support Sarah, her teachers should also:

• Provide Sarah with a positive and supportive learning environment. This will help her to feel more comfortable and confident in her ability to learn math.
• Set clear and realistic expectations for Sarah. This will help her to know what is expected of her and to track her progress.
• Celebrate Sarah's successes, no matter how small. This will help her to maintain motivation and persevere in the face of challenges.

Student Name: Sarah Grade Level: 7th Grade (12 years old) Area of Struggle: Math

Sarah is a seventh-grader who is struggling in math. She has always had difficulty understanding math concepts, and she often feels overwhelmed and frustrated with her schoolwork. She is particularly struggling with fractions and decimals. Sarah's teachers have tried a variety of teaching methods to help her, but she continues to fall behind her classmates.

Piaget's Developmental Theory

According to Piaget's developmental theory, children learn through a process of adaptation, which involves assimilating new information into their existing schemas (mental frameworks) and accommodating their schemas to new information. Children cannot learn new information if it is too far outside of their existing understanding.