Research Korner: Social Interaction in Children's Learning

Discuss the role of social interaction in children's learning.

Discuss the role of social interaction in children's learning. Developmental psychologists have long emphasized the role of society in the development of children. Even Piaget believed that social interaction was necessary in learning. As such, it is through social interaction that children learn that other children have ideas that are different from their own (Kuhlthau et al, 2007). Learning is always described as a holistic experience which incorporates many ways of knowing (Althouse, 2003). Children, along with physical and mental capabilities, apply their social capabilities in learning. Social learning is also called social construction wherein children construct own understanding of the world through continuous and ongoing interaction with the people in their lives. Social interaction acts as a both precursor and catalyst of learning among children (Althouse, 2003). With the aid of various actors in the immediate environment of the child, s/he continuously constructs and makes meaning for himself/herself. Children construct their own knowledge as they interact with their environment according to the readiness of their mentality or already existing concepts (Althouse, 2003). As such, children profit from sharing experiences with other children. Likewise, children’s thinking becomes more explicit as they express their ideas. Social interaction also acts as a cradle for the intellectual life of the children. Indeed, there is a delicate balance between learning through social interaction and constructing for oneself (Kuhlthau et al, 2007). For instance, collaboration affords the opportunity for any child in thinking things through by themselves. That is, collaboration aims at learning at both group and individual levels. Like individual learning though, children may not always thrive in terms of social learning, again, because of individual differences and circumstances such as learning disabilities.   Related articles Sample Thesis Chapter 1 on Improving Student Test Scores Utilizing Brain-based Learning The Essence and Impacts of Autism Discuss the role of social interaction in children's learning. Acting Out Behavior - Why Misreading Social Cues Leads to Behavioral Problems Compulsory heterosexuality and the social construction of sexuality and gender How to learn to read a room Developmental Outcomes In Children With Autism Predicted By Early Brain Responses To Words Social Interaction For SEO Robots in healthcare: scary, promising, or both? Watching Words: Responses To Language Predict Future Autism Outcomes

Discuss the role of social interaction in children's learning.

Discuss the role of social interaction in children's learning. Developmental psychologists have long emphasized the role of society...