COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Cognitive Development in the Preschool Years



Cognitive Development in the Preschool Years

Observation 1

IntroductionThe motor ability of preschool-aged children has have been demonstrated been investigated by a number of researchers. In some studies, gender differences in motor ability have been demonstrated. Since movement skills (such as running, jumping, and throwing) and characteristics of physical fitness (such as muscular strength and balance) are latent by nature, there are few direct methods by which measurement can be obtained. Hence, values are estimated from the results of physical exertion phenomenon: that is, motor performance. (Commons, Goodheart, Pekker et al 2008). In general, gender differences in potential physical fitness and movement skills are also examined through motor performance. This method, however, requires consideration.When trying to examine gender differences in physical fitness for certain fields from the results of tests containing multiple test items, it should be noted that physical fitness relating to such test items may consist of more than one element. In other words, not only physical fitness for the target field but other elements may also be reflected in the test results.ObservationIn my observed children, I discovered the relationships between specific combinations of movement patterns. i also observed the physical fitness and gender differences in motor performance. The common play types between the two children were 'kick for target', 'vertical jumping' and 'crawling'.The boy was superior to the girl, in terms of ball throw, which is related to muscle strength and dexterity. In order to examine gender differences in muscle strength from the test results, it is necessary to consider the effect of gender differences in dexterity. When examining gender differences in movement skills, it should also be noted that physical fitness for various exercise fields may associate with movement skills in a certain field. For example, while both the standing long jump and side step are test items for jumping skills, the boy was superior in the former, and the girl was superior in the latter. Thus, gender differences in motor performance may emerge as the result of combinations of movement skills and physical fitness. In my observation, the boy was superior in running, while the girl was superior in zigzag run.ReflectionChildren at preschool stage are egocentric; they are not able to see things from a point of view other than their own(Amann & Ducret 1992). According to Piaget, this phenomenon does not represent selfishness. This phenomenon is termed as 'egocentricity' which does not imply the morality approach. Preschoolers' feelings, reactions and perceptions are based on typical egocentrics. In my observation, the boy tended to exhibit superiority in “manipulation energy system and manipulation cybernetics,” while the girl tended to show superiority in “stability energy system.” This suggests that gender differences in motor performance in preschool-age children are produced in combinations (Commons, Goodheart, Pekker et al 2008).Estimation of potential movement skills and physical fitness from the results of motor performance of preschool-aged children has typically been conducted by corresponding motor performance shown through movement skills or physical fitness.Observation 2IntroductionNo other theory in educational and cognitive psychology is as popular as Piaget's theory of cognitive ...