28th International Congress of Psychology August 8 ... - U-netSURF

Suggestions for consultation and intervention to improve the psychological health of older adults
were given.
2048 INVITED SYMPOSIUM
Contributions of psychology to enhancing cognitive competence
Convener and Chair: C. Kagitcibasi, Turkey
2048.1 The development of critical thinking skills: Our best hope for the future, D.F. Halpern,
Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, USA
Although the ability to think critically has always been important, it is avital necessity for the
citizens of the 21st century. The twin abilities of knowing how to learn and knowing how to think
clearly are the most important intellectual skills for the 21st century. Empirical research has shown
that with appropriate instruction college students and other adults can become better thinkers.
When we design learning activities for long-term retention and transfer, enhancements in critical
thinking are a likely outcome from education. A short sampler of applications from cognitive
psychology designed to improve thinking skills will be presented.
2048.2 Malleability of children: Critical ages for cognitive stimulation in naturalistic and
experimental settings, N. Baydar, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
A review of current knowledge and new evidence regarding developmental changes in the
effectiveness of cognitive stimulation of children will be presented. Developmental changes in
cognitive malleability must be considered from physiological, developmental, social, and cultural
perspectives. A substantial body of research suggests that there are periods in early and middle
childhood when most gains can be accrued in response to cognitive stimulation. Research on this
issue has developed in naturalistic settings (i.e., family), and in experimental settings (i.e., in
educational interventions). Current knowledge in these two domains will be reviewed with the
objective of identifying critical developmental periods. In addition, new longitudinal research
findings regarding malleability will be presented.
2048.3 Relevant learning environments for enhancing young children's cognitive competencies,
R. Gelman, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
I will report on a collaboration between my labs and a large US Child Care Center to develop a
hands-on, adult-guided, developmentally appropriate program that provides young children
opportunities to do, talk about and start to learn about the language, basic concepts and tools of
science. Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS©) is designed to place young children on
relevant learning paths, ones that will facilitate their attention to and understanding of lessons they
will have in school.
2048.4 Improving early childhood education: Challenges for psychology, P.M. Leseman,
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Based on recent evaluation studies of both home-based and center-based education programs for
preschool children at risk for educational failure, the paper addresses the challenges for
psychology to contribute to the innovation of the basic program design in order to enhance
365