NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

In the Sensorimotor Stage of Cognitivist Theory, how do children primarily learn?

1. Through storytelling and listening

2. Through physical interaction and experiences

3. Through visual aids and symbols

4. Through guided instruction from adults

The correct answer is: Through physical interaction and experiences

In the Sensorimotor Stage of Cognitivist Theory, children primarily learn through physical interaction and experiences. This stage, which occurs from birth to about two years old, is characterized by infants and toddlers exploring their environment through their senses and motor activities. They develop knowledge by engaging directly with the world around them, manipulating objects, and experiencing cause and effect through their actions. During this developmental period, children do not yet engage with abstract concepts; instead, they understand their surroundings through hands-on experiences, such as reaching for toys, grasping items, and exploring textures. Actions such as sucking, grasping, and throwing allow them to learn about their environment and develop cognitive skills essential for later stages of development. Ultimately, this emphasis on direct interaction lays the foundation for more complex learning processes that occur in subsequent stages.