What happens during the disequilibrium stage?

During the disequilibrium stage, a child experiences a gap or conflict in their understanding of the world, which typically arises when they encounter new experiences or information that doesn't fit within their existing mental frameworks, or schemas. This sense of doubt or confusion encourages children to re-evaluate their current understanding, as they recognize that their previous knowledge may not sufficiently explain new observations or experiences.

This stage is crucial for cognitive development, as it motivates children to explore, ask questions, and ultimately adapt their schemas to accommodate new information, leading to deeper learning. It is a fundamental part of the learning process as it propels children to construct a more accurate representation of the world around them.

In contrast, successfully applying a schema indicates a state of equilibrium rather than disequilibrium, where existing knowledge effectively explains experiences. Similarly, when new ideas fit well with existing theories or when the ability to understand objects as a developmental milestone occurs, the child is typically operating in a state of understanding that does not reflect the questioning and uncertainty characteristic of the disequilibrium stage.