Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding. Students will need to achieve a good understanding of the theoretical and methodological bases of psychology of cognitive and linguistic development.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding. Students should be able to use the knowledge on theoretical frameworks acquired to explain the development of cognition and language in infancy.
3. Making judgments. Students will develop critical thinking and reflection on methodological issues and the relationship between the specific theoretical positions and the recent empirical results.
4. Communication skills. Students should acquire the ability to critically discuss the main concepts in Piaget’s theory compared with Vygotskij’s theory.
5. Learning skills. Students should be able to learn the most recent theoretical approaches and the main techniques of investigation of the psychology of development.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The aim of the course is to provide students with adequate knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of psychology of cognitive and linguistic development. It is expected that students become able to identify the key concepts underlying the various theories of development in connection with appropriate methodologies. Specifically we expect students: discuss the key processes and four stages in Piaget’s theory; identify the main concepts in Vygotskij’s theory compare it with and Piaget’s theory; define language and describe its rule systems; describe how language develops; discuss the biological and environmental contributions to language and thinking development; evaluate how language and cognition are linked.
Particular attention will be given to methods of developmental assessment and children’s observation.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Santrock, J. W. (2013). Psicologia dello sviluppo. Milano: Mc Graw-Hill
Teaching methods
The course offers a teaching in blended with lessons in the presence an on line classes, all accessible via web.
At lesson topics are treated in their general aspects and in an order that does not necessarily reflect that of the book’s chapters.
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination includes:
• a written test on the textbook
Other information
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