COHFA | Global Languages Senior Colloquium
My Head Understands, My Heart Understands: Increased Cognitive and Emotional Perspective-Taking in Bilingual Education
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Spanish w/ Teaching Certificate
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Professor Elena Picech
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Children entering school have higher expectations than ever before for learning advanced concepts and curriculum at young ages. This also means that early childhood education and preparing children to satisfactorily progress through preschool and elementary school is paramount to set them up for success in the future. The dynamic of many classrooms and learning environments is shifting to include more social connectivity between students in the class, in other classes in the school, and in other schools across the world. With the increased ease in connectivity between people in school and work environments, well-developed social skills are vital to student growth. One fundamental aspect of advancing these skill sets is the development of perspective-taking abilities in childhood. Cognitive perspective-taking includes a child’s theory of mind abilities, or understanding that others have different thoughts and ideas. Emotional perspective-taking includes the ability of practicing empathy. These skills develop more rapidly in children in bilingual environments, showing advancements in both their cognitive and social skills. This research project will assess how exposure to a bilingual environment in education strengthens these advantages. It will also address if less frequent exposure is equally effective to conclude that regular, more frequent exposure to a bilingual environment is most beneficial.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
GLT 400
Other Scholars Week Event
GLT 400
My Head Understands, My Heart Understands: Increased Cognitive and Emotional Perspective-Taking in Bilingual Education
Children entering school have higher expectations than ever before for learning advanced concepts and curriculum at young ages. This also means that early childhood education and preparing children to satisfactorily progress through preschool and elementary school is paramount to set them up for success in the future. The dynamic of many classrooms and learning environments is shifting to include more social connectivity between students in the class, in other classes in the school, and in other schools across the world. With the increased ease in connectivity between people in school and work environments, well-developed social skills are vital to student growth. One fundamental aspect of advancing these skill sets is the development of perspective-taking abilities in childhood. Cognitive perspective-taking includes a child’s theory of mind abilities, or understanding that others have different thoughts and ideas. Emotional perspective-taking includes the ability of practicing empathy. These skills develop more rapidly in children in bilingual environments, showing advancements in both their cognitive and social skills. This research project will assess how exposure to a bilingual environment in education strengthens these advantages. It will also address if less frequent exposure is equally effective to conclude that regular, more frequent exposure to a bilingual environment is most beneficial.