Cognitive Function in Input Phase: Perception

If the cognitive function is precise and accurate, the child will:

*focus attention long enough to perceive relevant details

*clearly differentiate between essential or relevant details and extraneous or irrelevant details

*define and describe the attributes of an object or problem

*use past experience to analyze new information meaningfully

*perceive all aspects of a problem holistically, that is, to integrate all parts

*invest appropriate attention and time to detail depending on the novelty and complexity of the task

If the cognitive function is impaired, the child may have:

*poor attention to form, shape, size, and space

*poor discrimination of letters that look alike (ie. confuses e and c)

*poor discrimination of letters that sound alike (ie. confuses e and i)

*an ability to select relevant details (focuses on background noise--a car passing--rather than the parents voice or can't focus on a specific visual item in a picture)

Strategies to Correct Blurred or Sweeping Perception

How Mediated Learning can help:

*Intentionality &Reciprocity-The parent gives a strategy for focusing attention (ie. read carefully and slowly)

*Self-Regulation-The parent encourages the child to self-regulate

*Competence-the parent praises responses