,Question 1 [40] 1.1 According to Piaget, cognitive development is
a progressive reorganisation of mental processes resulting from
biological maturation and environmental experience. This view
sparked the nature versus nurture debate about the development of
cognition. When I prompted ChatGPT about these two conflicting
views on the literacy development of young children, it generated
the following response: The nature vs. nurture debate in the
context of literacy development in young children is a
longstanding and complex topic in developmental psychology and
education. It centres around the question of whether children’s
reading and writing abilities are primarily influenced by their
innate biological factors (nature) or shaped by their environment,
experiences, and social interactions (nurture). In reality, literacy
development is a result of the interplay between both nature and
nurture. Let’s explore both: 1. Nature (Innate factors): • Genetic
predispositions: Some children may have a genetic predisposition
that makes them more receptive to learning language and literacy
skills. For instance, certain genetic traits might affect their ability
to process phonetic information or grasp grammar rules more
easily. • Neurological factors: Brain development plays a crucial
role in literacy acquisition. Some children might have neurological
differences that affect their language processing and reading skills.
For example, difficulties in phonological awareness, which is the
ability to identify and manipulate sounds in spoken language, can
impact reading readiness. • Biological maturation: As children
grow, their brains undergo biological changes that support various
aspects of literacy, such as memory, attention, and information
processing. These changes can influence how well and how
quickly they acquire reading and writing skills. 2. Nurture
, (Environmental factors): • Home environment: A rich and
stimulating home environment, including exposure to books,
reading aloud, and engaging in literacy-related activities, can
foster early CHL2601/ASSESSMENT 6/2024 7 literacy skills.
Children who grow up in homes where reading is valued are more
likely to develop an interest in reading themselves. • Parental
involvement: Parents and caregivers who actively engage with
children in language-based activities, storytelling, and discussions
enhance their language skills and literacy development. Regular
interactions with adults who read to them and encourage their
reading efforts can significantly impact children’s progress. •
Quality of early education: The quality of early education and
preschool experiences can have a substantial effect on literacy
development. High-quality programmes that focus on language
and literacy skills provide a supportive foundation for children’s
reading and writing abilities. • Socio-economic status (SES):
Research suggests that children from higher SES backgrounds
tend to have better literacy outcomes. This could be due to access
to more resources, including books, educational material, and
opportunities for enriching experiences. • Interaction and
interdependence: It is essential to recognise that nature and nurture
are not mutually exclusive; rather, they interact and influence each
other in a child’s literacy development. For example, a child’s
genetic makeup might affect their language processing abilities,
but their exposure to a language-rich environment can further
support and refine those abilities. In conclusion, the nature vs.
nurture debate regarding literacy development in young children
cannot be easily distilled into a simple either/or scenario. Both
nature and nurture play integral roles in shaping a child’s reading
