Module 22 Cognitive Development Of Intermediate Schoolers Group 4 1k84t

“It is with children that we have the best chance of studying the development of logical knowledge, mathematical knowledge, physical knowledge and a faith.” -Jean Piaget

Learning Outcomes At the end of this module, you should be able to; • examine the cognitive characteristics of intermediate school children. • discuss important factors that affect the cognitive development of intermediate school children. • enumerate ways on how teachers can promote creativity in the learning environment, learning acivities and instructional materials.

Introduction Since children in this stage are already in their late childhood, rapid development of mental skills is evident. According to Jean Piaget, concrete operational thinkers can now organize thoughts effectively, although, they can only logically perceive the immediate situation. They can apply what they have learned to situations and events that they can manipulate. Thus their reasoning and logical thingking are still very limited. But with proper guidance and nurturance from parents, teachers and the rest of the community, these children can easily succeed in their intellectual endeavors.

Initial Cognitive Characteristics Intermediate school children greatly enjoy the cognitive abilities that they can now utilize. Their thinking skills have become more effective as compared to more primary years. Their school work is now more complicated. Reading texts have become longer, problem-solving have become everyday part of their daily lives. Their ability to use logic and reasoning give them chances of thinking about what they want and how to get it. They now become very interested in talking about the future or even their potential careers. They develop speacial interests in collections, hobbies, and sports. They are even capable of understanding concepts without having direct hands on ideas.

Reading Development

Children in this state, is marked by a wide application of word attack. Because of the presence of the previous knowledge, they now have a wide vocabulary, which enables them to understand the meanings of unknown words through context clues.They no longer into theiry tales and magic types of stories but are more interested in longer and more complex reading materials,

Attention

Older children have longer and more flexible attention span compared to young children. Their span of attention is dependent on how much is required by the given tasks. In of school work, older children can concentrate and focus more for longer period of hours especially if they are highly interested in what they are doing.

Creativity Children on this stage are open to explore new things. Creativity is innate in children, they just need a little guidance and from parents, teachers and people around them. They are usually at their best when the work is done in small pieces. Creativity in children in encouraged when the activities: • encourage different responses from each child. • celebrate uniqueness • break stereotypes • value process over product • reduce stress and anxiety in children • to share ideas, not only with the teacher/ parent but also with other children. • minimize competition and external rewards.

The Impact of Media

The dream of having a television unit in every classroom started in the 1950's. It was considered as one of the first technological advancements in schools. The impact of the use of television and other media like the computer has gained popularity because students are given more opportunity to: • communicate effectively in speech and in writing • work collaboratively • use technological tools • analyze problems, set goals, and formulate strategies for achieving those goals • seek out information of skills on their own, as needed, to meet their goals.

Media and Aggression Violence and Aggresion are often dubbed as of the results of media. According to the Public Health Summit in 2000, the following are some negative results of media: • Children will increase anti-social and aggresive behavior. • Children may become less sensitive to violence and those who suffer from violence. • Children may view the world as violent and mean, becoming more fearful of being a victim of violence • Children will desire to see more violence in entertainment and real life.

The school and the home provide children with unlimited access to media, not only televisions and computers but also videos, movies, comic books, and musical lyrics. The responsibility now lies with the parents, teachers and the whole community. It should be a collective effort among the factors working together to children in every aspects of development. Having a role model is extremely important for children at this stage of transition. It gives children an adult to ire and emulate. Role models also provide them with motivation to suceed. One of the most important roles of teachers is to become a very good role model to children.

Teachers

• need to be an eager participant in children's groeth and development. • must understand how to use the children's natural curiosoty to help make the appropriate development leaps in their skills and abilities. • must create an atmosphere where risks can be taken and discoveries made while children remain safe.