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Cognitive competence as a positive youth development construct: a conceptual review.
Rachel C F Sun1, Eadaoin K P Hui
1Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. rachels@hku.hk
Thescientificworldjournal
|June 2, 2012
Summary
This study explores critical and creative thinking as key cognitive skills for adolescents. Fostering these abilities enhances learning, problem-solving, and overall positive youth development.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Critical thinking and creative thinking are foundational cognitive competences.
- Understanding their relationship is vital for adolescent development and learning.
- Cognitive competence is a key construct in positive youth development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare theories of critical and creative thinking.
- To delineate the interrelationships between critical and creative thinking.
- To explore the role of cognitive competence in adolescent development, learning, and wellbeing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical analysis of thinking theories.
- Comparison of features and interrelationships of critical and creative thinking.
- Discussion of cognitive competence as a positive youth development construct.
Main Results:
- Critical and creative thinking are distinct yet interconnected cognitive skills.
- These skills are crucial for adolescents' knowledge construction, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Fostering cognitive competence positively impacts adolescent learning and wellbeing.
Conclusions:
- Critical and creative thinking are essential self-regulated skills for adolescents.
- Developing these skills contributes significantly to positive youth development.
- Strategies for fostering thinking skills and cognitive competence are discussed.
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