Cognition is an ability to gather knowledge about surrounding circumstances. Cognitive development begins in a baby as an increasing awareness of her environment. This development continues into a method of learning for a child who can collect information and process it to use in decision making. Cognitive learning is a fundamental skill for a child as she grows and matures.
Cognitive Learning
Cognitive learning is a system of gathering information and processing it. There are various methods of information gathering, such as through observation, hearing or touch. The brain then manages this information for later use. In children, cognitive learning occurs by recognizing and remembering various events as they learn about the world. Older children are also gather information through school, which requires cognitive learning to recognize concepts that continue to build on further levels of understanding.
Considerations
Learning disabilities occur when a child has difficulty understanding and communicating ideas and concepts in a learning environment. The cognitive difficulties associated with a learning disability are related to a malfunction in the nervous system, which affects cognitive processing. According to Mental Health America, learning disabilities affect almost 15 percent of schoolchildren. Children with learning disabilities might try very hard in school, but an untreated learning disability can affect learning processes, and the child can fall further behind.
Memory
Memorization is the process of learning facts for later recollection. Both short-term and long-term memory is important in the cognitive learning of children. Short-term memory refers to recalling events that have taken place in the previous few seconds. For children learning problem-solving in school, short-term memory is useful in subjects such as mathematics. Long-term memory is memorizing past information for use in current or future settings. Memorization is one method of demonstrating cognitive learning by gathering information and being able to recall it.
Concentration
Concentration is a learned skill that is necessary for the cognitive learning process in children. Concentration is the ability to direct attention to a task in order to complete a goal, requiring focus for however long the task may be.
Understanding
Understanding information is essential for a child to retain knowledge. When a child takes in information and can process or interpret it, she gives it meaning. Understanding collected information means recognizing the value of the data. This includes identifying abstract concepts, showing empathy in various situations, or comprehending the magnitude of certain circumstances.
Application
Application involves communicating or using the collected information in a meaningful way. It indicates a significant appreciation of learned material, and that the child can appropriately use the given information. Children who are able to apply knowledge learned can use the same knowledge in future situations. Application allows a child to predict with some amount of certainty the outcome of an event because he has experienced it previously.
