Lecture Notes: Cognitive and Linguistic Development

Overview

• Focus on cognitive and linguistic development in cognitive science.
• Cognitive science is multidisciplinary, analyzing brain functions, language acquisition, and social interactions.

Cognitive Science

• Interdisciplinary Nature: Cognitive science combines various sub-disciplines focusing on different aspects of brain function.
  • Memory, perception, attention, and consciousness are key areas.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is included as a modeling tool to understand the brain.

Sensory Processing and Memory

• Sensory Systems: Essential for taking in information through modalities like auditory, visual, and tactile.
• Sensory Register: Holds sensory information briefly; critical for deciding what to retain.
• Working Memory: Retains information for short periods, needs attention for effective processing.
• Long-term Memory: Salient information is stored here, involving structures like the hippocampus and amygdala.
  • Emotionally intense experiences can lead to stronger memories.

Attention

• Role in Cognitive Function: Necessary for encoding information.
• Attention Deficits: ADHD highlights issues with attention and learning.
• Pharmacological Interventions: Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are debated for managing attention deficits.

Learning and Development

• Learning Strategies: Rehearsal, organization, and elaboration aid in memory retention.
• Development Across Lifespan: Cognitive functions develop through life; attention, memory capacity, and executive functions improve with age.
• Cognitive Tools and Strategies: Used for encoding and understanding information.

Social and Collaborative Learning

• Group Activities: Facilitate understanding and peer learning through reciprocal teaching.
• Challenging Tasks: Encourage learning through sufficient scaffolding.

Language Development

• Semantic Development: Understanding word meanings and their contextual usage.
• Milestones:
  • Receptive language develops before expressive language.
  • Vocabulary explosion around 18 months.
  • Lexical words before grammatical words.
  • Concrete objects named before abstract ideas.

Syntax and Phonology

• Syntax: Structure of sentences, develops over time through exposure and education.
• Phonology: Patterns of sounds used in language, includes phonetics and gestures.

Pragmatics

• Practical Use of Language: Involves taking turns and understanding implied meanings in communication.
• Cultural and Contextual Variations: Pragmatic rules vary by culture and context.

Metacognitive Awareness

• Understanding How We Learn: Critical for effective learning strategies.
• Developmental Changes: Awareness grows with age, improving learning.

Classroom Application

• Facilitating Learning:
  • Engage children in discussions about thinking.
  • Encourage independent learning.
  • Provide opportunities for self-evaluation.

Conclusion

• Cognitive and linguistic development encompasses a broad and dynamic field essential for understanding learning processes.
• Anticipated next chapter on personal, social, and moral development.

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End of Chapter 2 notes.