Historical and Contemporary Perspectives in Education and Psychology
Binet and Simons: Pioneers in Intelligence Testing
In 1894, the French government commissioned a study on abnormal children, which led to the development of an intelligence scale by Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon.
Pinel: Advocate for Mental Health Reform
In 1793, Philippe Pinel released patients from mental institutions and advocated for the abolition of corporal punishment and equal treatment for the mentally ill.
Esquirol: Distinguishing Mental Illness
Jean-Étienne Dominique Esquirol distinguished between amentia (irreversible lack of mental faculties) and dementia (decline in normal development).
Vygotsky: Social Learning Theory
Lev Vygotsky proposed that learning occurs through social interaction and that the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) represents the difference between what a child can do independently and what they can do with assistance.
Early Education: Interventions for Children
1. Definition
Early education encompasses interventions aimed at children from birth to age 6, their families, and their environment, to address developmental disorders or risks.
2. Types of Stimulation
- Prenatal: Enhancing the intellectual capabilities of the unborn child.
- Sensorimotor: Providing an environment that supports normal development of motor skills.
- Cognitive: Facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
- Language Development: Correcting deviations in language growth.
- Social Competence: Developing positive social relationships.
3. Methods in Early Education
- Bobath Method (cerebral palsy)
- Le Metayer Method (education and training)
- Vojta Method (posture and movement)
4. Facilitators: Parents and Teachers
- Learn about child development.
- Observe and propose interventions.
- Emphasize empathy and collaboration.
Psychomotricity: The Study of Body Movement
1. Definition
Psychomotricity focuses on the relationship between body movement and individual development, aiming to enhance intelligence, communication, and social skills.
2. Classification by Position/Activity
- Position Educator: Directive or non-directive.
- Activity: Based on the educator’s approach.
3. Theoretical Perspectives
- Behaviorism: Focus on observable behaviors and reinforcement.
- Psychoanalysis: Emphasis on the construction of the psyche and personality.
4. Methodological Proposals
- Psychokinetic of Jean le Boulch: Development through movement.
- Psicopedagógica Vayer of Picq: Systematic approach to psychomotor behaviors.
- Lapierre and Acoutier: Psychomotor education.
Behavior Modification: Techniques for Change
1. Techniques to Acquire, Improve, or Maintain
- Molding: Shaping new behaviors.
- Chaining: Connecting simple behaviors.
- Role-playing: Expanding behavioral repertoires.
- Stimulus Control: Manipulating environmental stimuli.
- Modeling: Observing and imitating desired behaviors.
2. Techniques to Reduce or Eliminate
- Extinction: Withholding reinforcement for unwanted behaviors.
- Negative Punishment: Removing positive reinforcers.
- Time Out: Removing the individual from the environment.
- Satiation: Overwhelming the individual with a desired stimulus.
- Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates: Reducing the frequency of unwanted behaviors.
- Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors: Reinforcing alternative behaviors.
- Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors: Reinforcing behaviors that prevent unwanted behaviors.
- Overcorrection: Requiring the individual to perform corrective actions.
- Positive Punishment: Applying an unpleasant stimulus.
3. Economy Chip: Reinforcement System
A backup system using small chips to reward desired behaviors.
4. Contract: Explicit Agreement
An agreement between individuals outlining specific actions to be taken.
Development Strategies for Social Skills
1. Concept of Social Skill and Assertiveness
Social skills are behaviors that enhance relationships and self-respect, while assertiveness involves expressing oneself without aggression or submission.
2. Areas Addressed
- Emotional skills
- Conductive skills
- Perceptive skills
- Cognitive skills