video record
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Description
This programme demonstrates by means of simple tests that over the course of one year young children's understanding of concepts such as area, length and weight can improve substantially.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: E362, Cognitive development: language and thinking - birth to adolescence
Item code: E362; 03
First transmission date: 20-05-1979
Published: 1979
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Chris Cuthbertson
Contributor: Ann Floyd
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Children age 5; Cognitive development; Conservation; Nottingham Primary School; Piagetian tests
Subject terms: Cognition in children; Knowledge, Theory of, in children; Measurement--Study and teaching (Primary); Piaget, Jean
Footage description: Ann Floyd introduces the programme from the studio. She explains that she has tested 3 children over a period of one year to investigate the changes in cognition that take place between the ages of 5 and 7. She then demonstrates the first test, which examines the childs grasp of the concept of area. The area test was done on each child in December, 1977 then repeated in June 1978. It is seen in full the first time, then extracts from the other occasions are shown. Floyd partly covers two rectangular cards with small blocks and the children have to say which card has the greater exposed area. Floyd describes the second test from the studio. It is designed to probe the children's understanding of lengths and consists of placing rods of equal length in different positions. In June 1977 the tests revealed that the three children thought their length altered also. In December, 1977 only one of them still thought this was the case. The final test deals with the concept of weight. Again there is first a brief studio description of the test, followed by a film of the children actually being tested. The test took place in December, 1977, with repeats in June 1978. Playdough balls of equal weight are placed before the children. In December they all believe that when one has its shape altered it becomes lighter. The same procedure is followed with blocks of lego. In June 1978, however, one of the children has grasped that the weight does not alter along with the shape.
Master spool number: HOU2754
Production number: FOUE010R
Videofinder number: 3050
Available to public: no