Cognitive Development

Foundations and Self-Awareness of Cognitive Development.

'Cognitive skills' are the core skills the brain uses to think, learn, remember, problem-solve, and pay attention—skills which are also related to motivation and impulse control. Cognitive development is the continuing development of those skills from birth through to adulthood. The purpose of this section is to enhance our practices as staff and volunteers who support initiative and problem-solving skills in the young people that we support. 

This module will support you to: 

  • Explain how the basic elements of initiative and problem solving fit together within an SEL framework of cognitive development; 

  • Identify your own strengths, needs, interests, and constraints related to learning and cognitive development; and 

  • Understand ways in which your background, experiences, privilege, biases, and/or discrimination have affected your attitudes toward learning and your expectations about other’s learning. 

This will include exploring how problem solving, initiative, Plan-Do-Review, and staff practices that support growth mindset and intrinsic motivation are all related. 

Resources

A series of resources to enhance your practices as staff and volunteers to support initiative and problem-solving skills in the young people.

Foundations and Self-Awareness of Cognitive Development: participant notebook

In this workbook, you will find the following activities: 

  • Initiative and Problem-Solving Scenario Sort 

Practice your understanding of the initiative and problem-solving processes with this scenario sort worksheet. 

  • Addressing Effects of Stress and Fear 

Think about common stress or fear activators that young people may experience.  What impact do these have on the brain or one’s ability to function? What can be done to move back into our rational brain? 

  • Learner Profile: SNIC 

Apply new ideas with this Learner Profile, which can help you - as an adult learner - think about how all the aspects of cognitive development play out for you. 

  • Reflection questions 

Two questions to help you reflect on what this section has shown you about your attitude to learning and problem solving, and past experiences that have affected you as a learner. 

  • Implementation Plan 

Think of a goal (professional or personal) and use this worksheet to develop a plan that covers the Plan-Do-Review cycle, initiative, and problem solving. 

  • Reflection Quotes 

Read these quotes and think about: What resonates with you? How does it relate to the content we have covered today? 

 

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Foundations and Self-Awareness of Cognitive Development: Scenario Sort answer key

This provides to answers to Initiative and Problem-Solving Scenario Sort. 

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Further reading

A selection of articles, books and websites offering additional resources designed to deepen your understanding. 

Social-Emotional Learning and the Brain: Strategies to Help Your Students Thrive [Marilee Sprenger]

A comprehensive overview of SEL and its effects on brain development. 

Read here

Socio-Emotional Skills, Quality, and Equity: The Multilevel Person-in-Context ~neuroperson (MPCn) Framework [Charles Smith and Stephen C. Peck]

A theoretical discussion on the relationship between mental behaviour and socio-emotional skills. 

Read here