The work of Jean Piaget has become the foundation of current developmental psychology and the basis for changes in educational practice. David Elkind, author of The Hurried Child and Miseducation, and a student of Jean Piaget, explores the roots of Piaget's work and outlines important vocabulary and concepts that structure much of the study of child development. Using both archival film of Dr. Piaget and newly shot sequences of Dr. Elkind conducting interviews with children of varying ages, this film presents an overview of Piaget’s developmental theory, its scope and content.

The film can serve either as an introduction to Piaget’s work or as a review of it.

Review 1

"An excellent film. Informative as well as being a lovely, sensitive presentation."

--Barbara Shelton, Villa Julie College, Stevenson, Maryland

Review 2

"Piaget's Developmental Theory: An Overview provides a brief introduction to the work of developmental psychologist Jean Piaget (1896-1980). The program discusses Piaget and his research by dividing his life into four periods that span the early 1920's to his death in 1980. Piaget's contributions are examined by narrator David Elkind, Ph.D., a scholar who has studied and applied these theories in the classroom.

"This program emphasizes both Piaget's belief that intelligence develops in a series of age related stages that cannot be hurried, and his formation of a logical model to describe the course of mental development. The four major stages of development include: sensorimotor stage-birth to 2 years; pre-operational stage — 2 to 6–7 years; concrete operational stage — 6–7 to 11–12 years; and, formal operations stage — 11–12 through adolescence.

"Piaget's Developmental Theory: An Overview introduces theories of child development in a concise but thorough manner. Examples of the various stages and processes are clearly illustrated through taped exercises with children. The program is well organized with excellent video and audio quality. Given the specific focus of the subject matter and research level content, this program is highly recommend for academic libraries only. Although slightly older than some of the other available videos on Piaget, the program would readily support instruction and basic research in both education and psychology subject areas. Related titles available from Davidson Films, Inc. include Concrete Operations and Using What We Know: Applying Piaget's Developmental Theory to Primary Classrooms."

--Rue Herbert, Library Media Center, University of South Florida, Tampa