There are many ways in which cultural differences impact cognitive development. One of the areas in which we see the impact relating to cultural differences is with the development of reasoning and problem solving skills as is discussed in Chapter 8 of our textbook. “Because our habits of mind are influenced by our cultural and historical circumstances, the decision-making strategies that we seek to promote in students reflect our own culture” (Brenner & Parks, 2001). We must be aware of this and ensure that we are taking the cultural backgrounds of the children we work with into consideration as we help them to develop the ability to reason and solve problems. In this discussion, you will examine the social and cultural impacts on cognitive development by taking a deeper look at the development of reasoning and problem solving skills. Before responding to this discussion, review the Week Four Instructor Guidance for additional information, resources, and support.

• Explain how cognitive characteristics help children learn how to reason, when these abilities to reason develop, and the role social skills play in the ability to reason. Use examples to support your thinking.
• Discuss the cognitive characteristics that help children learn how to develop problem solving skills including the role culture plays in the way a child reasons or solves problems.
• Describe how the development of reasoning and problem solving skills relates to Vygotsky’s social constructivist approach and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Use one additional scholarly source and examples to support your thinking.
• Examine the cultural considerations that need to be taken into account when planning strategies to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. Provide a specific example for both reasoning and problem solving that supports your examination.

Reference to the book: 

Farrar, M.J. & Montgomery, D. (2015). Cognitive development of children: Research and application [Electronic version]. San Diego, CA; Bridgepoint Education

• This text is a Constellation™ course digital materials (CDM) title.
• Chapter 7: Social Constructivism and Cognitive Development
• Chapter 8: Problem Solving and Reasoning
• Chapter 9: Language Development