Research

Filter by Category

PresentationsPublicationsResearch/Studies

Learning Chinese Mandarin characters in an English-speaking country: The development of a child’s symbolic mind.

By

Wang, W., & Black Delfin, A.(2021). Learning Chinese Mandarin characters in an English-speaking country: The development of a child’s symbolic mind. Journal of Childhood, Education & Society, 2(2), 87-105 Abstract This qualitative research explores the development of the symbolic mind in children through learning Chinese Mandarin characters. Navigated through the lens of relational developmental system metatheory and guided by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, findings present the analysis of the developmental processes in children’s recognition of symbols and use of known symbols to make and share meaning. This study also offers an explanation of the effect of changes in the sociocultural environment on children's symbolic development. Further, cultural differences toward symbolic representation are discussed with the recommendation of focusing on recognition followed by writing when learning Chinese Mandarin...
Read More

The Elkonin/Davydov approach: How cognitive development can be driven by cultural tools

By

Black Delfin, A. & Wang, W. (2022). The Elkonin/Davydov approach: How cognitive development can be driven by cultural tools. Social Education Research, 3(2), 354-370. DOI:10.37256/ser.3220221738. Abstract This conceptual paper examines the aspects of human development that are foundational to higher mental functions and how particular features of cognition essential for relational and other types of complex thought are activated and developmentally driven through experiential exposure, specifically with others, to intentionally designed cultural tools of teaching and learning. After taking a closer look at relational thinking, which is a foundation for more complex types of thought such as computational thinking, and a developmentally appropriate pedagogical method for fostering these aspects of cognitive development, we focus on the Elkonin-Davydov early "prenumerical" phase, presenting this curricular approach as a cultural tool which can foster cognitive development....
Read More

Promoting Competency-Based Early Childhood Programs in Higher Education through Culturally Responsive Assessment

By

Agenda: WNMU Early Childhood Program Background  Identify the need for new assessments  Revisit the Strategic Plan and Define the Scope Developing Culturally Responsive Assessments  Comprehensive Exam Action Research Project Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Presentation Professional Development Presentation Academic Writing with the Mentor Discussion and Suggestion   Presentation: This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office.   Authors: Drs. Cindy Martinez, Wenjie Wang, Annabelle Black Delfin, Shannon Rivera, Alexandra...
Read More