Piaget disagreed with both sides of the old debate about whether learning is intrinsic (coming from within the child) or extrinsic (based on things outside the child, including her parents, teachers and environment).
Instead, Piaget discovered that learning is "constructive," or intrinsically driven in response to extrinsic factors. Piaget taught that children only learn when their curiosity is not satisfied.
Parents and teachers of young children should spark curiosity and then back off--this is their whole role. We have referred to this process elsewhere as the "right kind of vacuum."
It is certainly not ignoring the child or her education; and yet it is the polar opposite of Vygotsky, who jumps in and meddles or manipulates whenever he sees curiosity.
Piaget warns the parent and teacher not to instruct in a force-feeding way, but rather to incite interest and then leave the child to the wonder of experimentation and self-discovery.
The Right Kind of Vacuum 
March 18 - 19, 2011
