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Learning theory: Cognitive development (Critical thinking (during…
Learning theory: Cognitive development
Development intertwined with experiences
It is a feature of adolescence that it is a period of rapid cognitive growth
Physiologically, this is triggered by puberty that marks the beginning of biological change in brain structure and connectivity.
This change is significantly influenced by the range of experiences of the young adolescent.
Cognitive development is unique
Because each child has a unique brain and is exposed to unique environmental influences, their cognitive development will also be unique.
This is demonstrated in terms of timing, rate and shaping of the brain that predominantly occurs during these adolescent years.
For example, children engaged in certain types of activities and skills during their adolescent years are likely to have these hardwired into their brains.
Characteristics of cognitive maturity
As individuals progress through adolescence there is increased cognitive development along with behavioural functioning that is directed by the prefrontal cortex, leading to cognitive maturity that features:
Organisation of multiple tasks
Impulse inhibition
Self control
setting goals and priorities
Empathising with others
Initiating appropriate behaviour
Making sound judgements
Forming strategies
Planning ahead
Adjusting behaviour when situation changes
Stopping an activity upon completion
Insight
Critical thinking
Taken together, all of these higher order cognitive skills might be described as critical thinking - that is the ability to logically and systematically evaluate problems.
This capacity is developed over the course of maturation.
It is achieved at the end, not the beginning, of adolescence.
during adolescence, there is an opportunity to intentionally focus on the development of these cognitive abilities through metacognition.
Metacognition, is the concept of thinking about thinking.
Educators can intentionally engage learners in the process of developing metacognitive understanding.
Learning through experience
Some of the key skills students must develop in order to learn through experience at this sensitive period of brain development are how to:
Reflect on learning
Link new knowledge to existing knowledge
Establish what is true and accurate
Challenge what knowledge is untrue and inaccurate