Exploring Foundations in Educational Psychology: Influential Works in Adult Development and Learning
Abstract
This essay delves into the seminal authors in the fields of cognitive development and learning theory to explore how the field of Educational Psychology has contributed to adult learning. Each seminal theory is discussed in terms of its significance within the field of Educational Psychology, its alignment with current Educational Psychology research, and its potential impact on future Educational Psychology research. First it explores research on constructivist stage theories such as Piaget's (1947/2001) four stages of cognitive development and Perry's (1970) developmental scheme. Second, it examines the contributions of feminist scholars such as Gilligan's (1982/2003) ethic of care and Belenky et al.'s (1986/1997) epistemological categories. Third, it delves into Bronfenbrenner's (1976) multidimensional ecological system theory. Specifically, cognitive developmental theories can enrich research in higher education by identifying barriers to learning and by providing points of intervention and support that highlight the students' situated environments. Furthermore, gendered and integrative perspectives can broaden how we contextualize adult learning. The psychological component of cognitive development and learning theories proves to be a generative source to inform adult learning research and instruction for both informal and formal settings.
Recommended Citation
Quito, D. (2024). Exploring foundations in educational psychology: Influential works in adult development and learning. Midwest Journal of Education, 1(1).
DOI
Corresponding Author
Diana Quito. Ph.D. candidate, Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, & Counseling, University of Alabama, 520 Colonial Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Email: dquito@sandiego.edu