ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by looking at the brain and the mind and, in particular, a child's mind, and considers the differences between a child's and an adult's mind and mental processing. It looks at different cognitive theories and factors affecting cognitive development. The chapter provides an overview of the function of the brain, including the development of the brain and considers the two main theories of cognitive development: factor theories and cognitive theories. It provides an overview of the constructivist theory of teaching and learning. The chapter considers the nature of the learning environment in the light of these theories and explores ideas related to cognitive acceleration. It considers the significance of the process of memory in cognitive development. The chapter also considers the roles of consciousness, metacognition, culture, language and age in supporting cognitive processes. Cognitive acceleration is the process of supporting the construction of children's ideas.
