Education and Training Science

Cognitive Developmental Psychology General Goals: The course is aimed at investigating the cognitive development along the whole life cycle, with a special reference to the traditional theories and the new points of view. A special attention will be paid to the study of development in the age 0- 3 to scholastic age. During the course, the student will have the possibility to study the main tools of cognitive evaluation and some techniques for the construction of a path of strengthening. Specific Goals: At the end of the course, the student will know the main approaches of developmental psychology with a special attention to the cognitive processes, and the main investigation methods within cognitive processes in developmental psychology. The course is organised with a first part aimed at the study of the main theories and orientations of cognitive developmental psychology; afterward, it will consider a monographic part on the study of memory, from birth to the complete development; finally, some classes will be dedicated to the knowledge and the analysis of some developmental disorders that influence the cognitive and emotional functioning [Dublin Descriptor No. 1]. The whole course refers to the development from birth to adulthood. A special attention will be paid to the cognitive development in age 0-3 and scholastic age. At the end of the course, the student will know the basics of the identification of child's cognitive development stages, from birth to the end of scholastic age [Dublin Descriptor No. 2]. The course also intends to stimulate a reflection on the role of an educator in recognising and stimulating the developmental stages, both cognitive and emotional. The acquired cross skills will be about the critical skills and the skills at making judgements strengthened by the participation to the workshop theoretical-practical activities and by the writing of detailed essays on specific topics decided with the teacher. Finally, students can participate to field experimental researches on the cognitive development that allow them to deal with innovative approaches [Dublin Descriptor No. 3]. Student's communication skills will be stimulated by means of short detailed written compositions on specific topics [Dublin Descriptor No. 4]. Thanks to the study of theories, to practical applications, and to critical reflections, the student will be able to pursue a further education in an independent way and to analyse in depth the themes of developmental psychology he/she will have to study [Dublin Descriptor No. 5].