Cognition
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Cognitive skills are needed to process information. In order to learn, retain and use our knowledge, we need to be able to use all of these skills effectively:
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Attend to incoming information (sustained, selective and divided attention).
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Quickly process all the details (processing speed).
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Remember what we heard, saw or read (working, short-term and long-term memory).
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Decide what to do with the information (reasoning and problem solving skills).
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Linguistics
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Linguistics is the study of language. In order to communicate effectively we need to have a good command of these language skills:
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Form: the sounds, words, and sentences (language) we use to convey information (phonology, morphology and syntax).
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Content: putting sounds, words, and sentences together in a way that has meaning (semantics).
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Use: following the socially driven rules to utilize language for a purpose (pragmatics).
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Executive Functions
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Executive functions are higher level cognitive functions that continue to develop into early
adulthood. These skills are essential to:
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Organize/Set Goals
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Plan/Prioritize
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Initiate/Implement
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Following through
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Evaluate/Make changes
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Self-monitor
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Control emotions
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Putting it all together:
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Successful functioning is dependent on effective communication.
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Effective communication relies on fluid cognition.
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Cognitive stress makes thinking and reasoning more difficult.
Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for January 09, 1995
