Cognitive Development

This chapter provides an overview of the development of three foundational cognitive processes that are relevant for learning in general and for math learning in particular: executive functions, long-term memory, and visuospatial thinking. The chapter begins by reviewing both traditional and state-of-the-art research methods that psychologists use to address questions relating to both cognitive development and learning. Next, the chapter includes a review of behavioral and neural evidence for each of the constructs of interest; an overview of how these processes develop with age; and a discussion of how these processes can inform learning, with a particular focus on K–12 math instruction. Additionally, each section describes how the development of these processes is influenced by environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, sleep, and parenting, as well as individual variation and atypical development. Finally, the chapter offers evidence-based suggestions for improving both general learning, such as study habits and planning; and math learning, such as reasoning about fractions and algebra.