Learning from their mistakes: glimpses of symbolic functioning in two-and-a-half to three-year-old children.

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How do children's problem-solving skills develop between the ages of 2½ and 3?

Research literature states that the methods young children employ in solving problems are indicative of the stage of learning development they have reached (see for example Mandler, 1983; Chen & Siegler, 2000). In this study, children between 2½ and 3 years old (30 & 36 months) were studied for their performance on two problem-solving tests. From the sample, the researchers identified three different stages of development, including a middle transitional stage between the other two. The evidence provides clues to the way in which young children's thinking skills develop. The results are supported by previous empirical research about this stage in children's development.

Ideas about young children's thinking are discussed later.

The researchers aimed to:

find if there were clear differences between 2½ and 3-year-old's problem-solving behaviours; and
discover what could be learnt from the observed problem-solving behaviours which could help characterise this period of cognitive development.

Details of the tests are presented later.

Your path: Home > Welcome to The Research Informed Practice Site (TRIPS) > Themes > Early years > Learning from their mistakes: glimpses of symbolic functioning in two-and-a-half to three-year-old cFriMar191511092004 > How do children's problem-solving skills develop between the ages of 2½ and 3?
Research Home Themes \| Find digests \| About the digests resources glossary researchers contact TRIPS Introduction How do children's problem-solving skills develop between the ages of 2½ and 3? What do we know about young children's thinking? What did the research show? How were the tests performed? How can teachers and other adults help improve children's thinking? Implications Where can I find out more? Send us your feedback Collated digests To view/remove/add notes and save your collated digests click here Get Word Reader Learning from their mistakes: glimpses of symbolic functioning in two-and-a-half to three-year-old children. This digest found in Early years Thinking skills Send to a friend Word doc 50KB Printer friendly Collate for later How do children's problem-solving skills develop between the ages of 2½ and 3? Research literature states that the methods young children employ in solving problems are indicative of the stage of learning development they have reached (see for example Mandler, 1983; Chen & Siegler, 2000). In this study, children between 2½ and 3 years old (30 & 36 months) were studied for their performance on two problem-solving tests. From the sample, the researchers identified three different stages of development, including a middle transitional stage between the other two. The evidence provides clues to the way in which young children's thinking skills develop. The results are supported by previous empirical research about this stage in children's development. Ideas about young children's thinking are discussed later. The researchers aimed to: find if there were clear differences between 2½ and 3-year-old's problem-solving behaviours; and discover what could be learnt from the observed problem-solving behaviours which could help characterise this period of cognitive development. Details of the tests are presented later.