Cognitive Learning and Teaching blog part 1
Some might think that learning happens during school and only in school-based settings. Some might also believe that education is the only path to knowledge. What are your views and understanding when it comes to knowledge and education? Let us explore some of the sciences and mental representations behind learning and education to understand how learning happens.
First, it is essential to understand how children/people learn, and second, one must comprehend how the brain works to be conscious of how learning happens. "Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence, embracing philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, linguistics, and anthropology" (Thagard, 1996). There are different ways to learn and stages of learning. Psychologist Jean Piaget spent years studying children's intellectual development and developed a theory called 'Stages of Cognitive Development.' His theory suggests that intelligence changes as children grow and that a child's cognitive development is not just about acquiring knowledge; the child has to develop or construct a mental model of the world. (McLeod, S. 2018). Piaget's theory includes four stages of development which are the Sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years), the Preoperational stage (2 to 7 years), the Concrete Operational stage (7 to 11 years), and the Formal Operational stage (ages 12 and up). Whether you are a parent, teacher, psychologist, or nanny, understanding some of Piaget's stages might help you understand child development. Here is a website and a video with more information about Piaget's four stages of development.
Besides Piaget's theory, a variety of other views and approaches explain how the mind works. In education, it is beneficial for educators to know and understand the process of children's development and learning. Teachers significantly impact their students; showing genuine interest in each student by getting to know them individually and understanding their thought processes can go a long way.
Mental representation, such as logic, rules, concepts, and images, falls under the umbrella of cognitive science. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, logic is the science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration: the science of the formal principles of reasoning. It is also defined as a particular mode of reasoning viewed as valid or faulty (Merriam-Webster, 2016). Concepts are customarily regarded as intermediaries between mind and world. They are the basic elements of thoughts and the tools by which one classifies things (Concepts | Encyclopedia.com, n.d.). The mentioned mental representations are helpful tools that can benefit educators in teaching, assessing, and planning for learning. For example, visual props during a book reading can help pull students' attention and encourage participation.
As an Early Childhood Educator, it is essential that I understand the cognitive development of young children and their learning process. As I reflect on my learning about cognitive science and the different mental representations, I now have a better understanding of specific terms, which will assist me in being a more effective teacher and utilizing appropriate and best practices. One interesting topic I read about was game-based learning. "Game-based learning is training that uses game elements to teach a specific skill or achieve a specific learning outcome. It takes your core content and objectives and makes it fun" Findlay, J. (2016, August 12). I can honestly say that is one area I need to improve as an educator. I never thought about the 'fun' side of learning and how certain games can reach and improve children's learning. Working on the lesson plan assignment was a great help in my coming up with ideas for game-based learning for children. I had never before incorporated game-based learning through technology into lesson planning.
As a homeschool teacher to my children, I have added game-based activities into their learning, which has greatly benefited them and improved their learning. One lesson plan I worked on with them was about basic AB patterns. I briefly read a book about patterns and then showed them a video clip. I also added pattern games on the iPad, which was very helpful. Their interest in the topic increased so much afterward that they regularly find patterns everywhere, such as at the playground, crossing paths on streets, clothing, shoes, and more. I will continue to use game-based learning as part of my lesson plans and units of study. Here is a screenshot of a pattern game from ABC Mouse.
Another beneficial tool I learned and will continue to use as a teacher is adding visuals to learning which ties in with game-based learning. I have noticed with my former students and my children that visuals pull their attention and encourage them to participate by asking questions and sharing ideas.
To conclude, I have learned much about the science behind cognitive development, mental representations, and essential tools educators can utilize to help facilitate children's learning. One key point I now understand is that children learn in various ways and that developmentally appropriate practices can help their growth.
References
Concepts | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Www.encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/concepts
Findlay, J. (2016, August 12). Game-based learning vs. gamification: Do you know the difference?. Training Industry
McLeod, S. (2018). Jean Piaget's Theory and Stages of Cognitive Development. Simply Psychology.
Merriam-Webster. (2016). Definition of LOGIC. Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logic
Thagard, P. (Spring, 2019, Edition). Cognitive science. In Edward N. Zalta (ed.). The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy.
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