According to Piaget, how do children develop cognitively?

Piaget proposed that children develop cognitively through a process of experimentation and by passing through distinct developmental stages. His theory emphasizes that children actively construct their understanding of the world rather than passively absorbing information. This construction occurs as they engage with their environment, manipulate objects, and experiment with different scenarios, leading to new insights and intellectual growth.

In Piaget's framework, cognitive development includes several stages—sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—each characterized by specific capabilities and ways of thinking. For example, in the sensorimotor stage, children learn about the world through their senses and motor activity, while in the concrete operational stage, they begin to understand logical operations but still struggle with abstract concepts. This staged approach illustrates how children's thinking evolves over time and emphasizes the role of active learning and adaptation to their surroundings.

The other methods mentioned, such as imitation and observation, while they also contribute to learning, do not encapsulate the comprehensive and structured approach that Piaget outlined. Similarly, formal education alone cannot account for the richness of cognitive development Piaget described, as it often serves as a structured form of learning rather than a source of cognitive growth rooted in exploration and experiential learning.