Cognitive development
Performance on a cognitive task depends on intrinsic (eg. intellect, memory, previous experience etc.) and extrinsic (eg distractions) factors. Speed of processing or processing efficiency for eg, is influenced by external (extrinsic) factors. This can be observed by changes in reaction time when there are extraneous influences.
Teachers have control over extrinsic factors, so these need to be managed appropriately.
John Sweller suggested the Cognitive Load Theory where the idea is put forward that memory is limited and too much load put on the working memory will affect the learning.
Sometimes extraneous tasks (tasks which are unrelated to the direct learning activity) can put additional work load and interfere with learning.
Stress and pain can also impact on ability to perform tasks Memory and executive functions:
Memory: when a story is passed down over time, there will be omissions (specific info missed out), rationalization (information added to make the passage make sense),
generalizing towards dominant themes, transformation of info (unfamiliar words replaced with familiar), transformation of sequence (sequence of the story is rearranged), the influence of the participants attitude.
Tasks to assess EF: Planning – tower of London task. Rule switching – Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Inhibitory control – Stroop colour test.
Language development Components of language:
Morphology: rules for word formation. Morphemes: units of words. Free morphemes – eg cat. Bound morpheme – eg. –s, -er, re-, un-
Phonology: sound characteristics (incl stress and intonation). Phonemes: smallest unit of sound
Semantics: meanings
Syntax: word order.
Pragmatics: cultural conventions of how to use language. Incl turn-taking, length of pause
Reading can help a child distinguish sounds that are not clear eg attic is with a ‘t’ sound not
‘d’. But remember, the way a word is spelt is not always consistent with its pronounciation.
Communication disorders:
Language disorders. eg delayed language, learning disabilities, aphaisa
Speech disorders. eg articulation, stuttering
Hearing disorders. Eg otitis media