What stage follows the preoperational stage in Piaget's theory?

The correct response identifies the concrete operational stage as the stage that follows the preoperational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

During the preoperational stage, typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 7, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they do not yet understand concrete logic. This stage is characterized by egocentrism, where children have difficulty seeing things from perspectives other than their own, and they tend to focus on one aspect of a situation at a time.

Once children transition to the concrete operational stage, which occurs roughly between the ages of 7 and 11, they start to think logically about concrete events. They develop skills such as understanding conservation (the idea that quantity does not change even when its shape does) and the ability to categorize objects. This stage marks significant advancements in logical reasoning, allowing children to solve problems in a more organized and systematic way when dealing with concrete, tangible items.

Understanding this progression is critical in educational contexts, as it informs how educators approach teaching and learning strategies suitable for different developmental stages. The knowledge of cognitive development stages can help educators tailor their instruction to fit the logical reasoning abilities of their students.