Children learn most effectively by interacting with others. Therefore, teachers play a crucial role in a child's cognitive development, by interacting with kids. They can also help facilitate group activities, which allow children to learn from each other. Teacher interaction and group activities allow children to develop interpersonal skills.
The most effective way for teachers to educate children is through scaffolding, which involves various approaches to interaction that can improve a child's ability to learn. Scaffolding involves taking what children already know and building upon it. One useful approach is to take something the child is already interested in and explain it in detail, helping the child develop a more well rounded understanding of the concept.
Teachers should often read with kids so they develop a love for reading and continually build their knowledge about the world. Teachers should respond to students sensitively so they do not become discouraged. When children show interest in certain subjects, teachers should help them expand their interests.
Children should be given as many opportunities for choice as possible so they can develop an intrinsic motivation to learn, meaning the teacher won't have to force them to engage in learning exercises. When teachers are supportive of the child's desire to learn, the child might develop an intrinsic desire to learn. Then, they will be motivated to continue learning without the help of the teacher.
Children are more likely to succeed when they believe that they can succeed. Teachers can have a positive effect on the cognitive development of their children when they show that they have confidence in the child's abilities. Conversely, teachers who tell children that they won't likely "amount to anything" can seriously impair the child's cognitive development. Children set goals based on their conception of their ability, a phenomenon known as "self-efficacy."
Confident children conceptualize mental images of success that serve as maps to pursue success. People who have a lot of cognitive ability are more likely to succeed when they have self-efficacious thinking than if they have little self-efficacy. Teachers can try to encourage students to engage in positive self-talk.
Children engage in play, which has a role in cognitive development and helps children develop cognitive skills, such as problem solving. Children do less complex play in settings where the activities are controlled by the teacher. Teachers can give children the resources needed to play, such as arts and crafts, toys and games.