What is the assimilation, accommodation and equilibrium theory?

One of Piaget’s most well-known theories is that of assimilation, accommodation and equilibrium. This links to and builds on his understanding of schema development but primarily focuses on the actual process of receiving, processing and storing or rejecting new knowledge, skills and behaviours. Piaget codified the learning process into three sections that follow a specific process. It takes into account prior knowledge and understanding as this shapes what happens with the new information being presented to an individual. 

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Assimilation 

The first stage of this theory of learning is the assimilation process. The assimilation process focuses on the receiving of new information and how it is interpreted. During this stage, new information is incorporated (added) into an individual’s existing schema of certain knowledge, skills or behaviour. If the information can be easily added to their understanding without conflict, then the individual’s existing scheme does not need to be altered or adapted. A simplistic example of this is that a child may drink water from a cup, and then someone puts something that is not water into a cup and gives it to them. The child will, using their current scheme (cup – water – drink), try and drink it. They will realise that other liquids apart from water can be drunk from a cup.

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Accommodation

The second stage within this theory is that of Accommodation. The accommodation process of schema development is where a new piece of information is added, but unlike assimilation, where the information is easily adopted into the schema, within this stage, the scheme needs modifying, extending or removing. This is due to a conflict in the individual’s understanding. The reason the schema must be adapted, extended or removed is because the new information contradicts existing schema or thinking, and as such, the individual is unable to move forward in their learning, development or thinking.

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Equilibrium

The final stage of this theory is that of equilibrium. The equilibrium is the terminology used to describe the adjustment to an individual’s schema, thinking and understanding of a particular situation, object or thought process. 

Equilibrium occurs when an individual is able to assimilate the new information into their existing schema. This allows a child to feel steady, safe and in control of their environment and learning.  During the accommodation process, the individual will experience disequilibrium, which can make them feel unsteady until they have adapted their thinking and have changed their schema. 

More about Constructivism can be found here on NEN Explain: Constructivism