Organic Development Definition

Organic development is a theory of child development that emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping the course of children’s growth and learning. According to this perspective, children are not born with pre-determined abilities or traits, but rather they develop in response to the people and things around them.

Organic development theory has its roots in the work of renowned psychologist Jean Piaget, who proposed that children actively construct their own knowledge as they engage with their surroundings. Piaget’s ideas were later expanded upon by Lev Vygotsky, who argued that children learn best through social interaction with more knowledgeable others.

The concept of organic development has been hugely influential in education, informing approaches such as project-based learning and problem-based learning. It has also been used to challenge traditional ideas about intelligence and ability, suggesting that these are not fixed but can instead be developed over time through supportive environments.