Cognitive Science: language, learning and education
In this seminar, we explore the mechanisms of human learning, development, and language cognition from the perspectives of developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, psychology of language, and neuroscience. During the class, we will study literature from the field of cognitive science, acquire background knowledge for research, and learn experimental methods and statistics. The topics of graduation projects broadly focus on (1) the learning mechanisms of language and the relationship between language and thinking, (2) the cognitive mechanisms of learning and expertise, and the exploration and implementation of effective learning for children, as well as the cognition and brain changes of experts. We mainly investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind native language acquisition to explore what learning means for children. We integrate (1) and (2) to identify the causes of difficulties in learning Japanese for children and develop materials for Japanese language learning.
The topics for graduation projects and master’s theses are determined in consultation with the supervising instructor (Imai) and often pertain to cognitive science, educational psychology, and educational practices. Examples include:
1. The relationship between inference skills (reading between the lines) and reasoning skills.
2. How words indicating color are learned.
3. How parent-child play influences the motivation of young children.
4. The relationship between children’s emotional understanding and vocabulary, and the mechanisms of understanding emotions.
For more information, please refer to [http://cogpsy.sfc.keio.ac.jp/imailab/teaching/graduationthesises/].
We welcome not only those interested in language, child development, learning, and education but also those interested in modeling developmental processes and human behavior, as well as those who wish to study data analysis and modeling.
[Coursework]
In the seminar, students read books and study research related to cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics. Students will be expected to present what they learned in order to develop basic knowledge for conducting research. Furthermore, through graduation projects, students will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for research, such as experimental planning, implementation, data analysis, and learning design. The seminar is divided into two parts. On Thursdays, students will engage in group work based on literature related to the research topic. On Fridays, students will read and present research related to their topic of interest, followed by a discussion. On Thursdays during the fifth period, students engage in activities to learn the basics of statistics, experimental design, and methods. As extracurricular activities, students participate in workshops for children and other outreach activities. For details on extracurricular activities, please refer to [http://cogpsy.sfc.keio.ac.jp/imailab/outreach/].
[Activities outside the seminar]
We study the mechanisms of language acquisition. How do humans learn their native language and foreign languages? Using research methods such as brain measurement, eye-tracking, and other behavioral experiments, we investigate the relationship between language, the brain, and cognition. Students can participate in various methods according to their research interests and learn by participating in surveys and other research practices.
◆ Characteristics of Language Projects ◆
◇ Language Acquisition in Babies and Toddlers: Research on infants and young children is conducted through fieldwork at kindergartens and nurseries. By comparing language learning between infants and adults, students explore how infants learn language and how foreign language acquisition differs from native language learning. Throughout the semester, students read previous research, design experiments, collect data, and learn statistical analysis methods.
◇ Influence of Language on Thought: We collaborate with universities both domestically and internationally to conduct comparative studies of languages such as Japanese, English, Chinese, and German. We address issues related to how language characteristics influence language learning and cognition, as well as universal concepts in language.
◇ Analysis of Language using Corpora: We analyze actual language use through corpus analysis. Using this method, we study foreign language pedagogy and compare the characteristics of Japanese and other languages.
◆ Project Activities (Learning) ◆
◇ For more information about the project, please visit [http://cogpsy.sfc.keio.ac.jp/imailab/research/].
Considering “Learning” in Primary and Secondary Education: How do children learn and grow? What kind of education can achieve better learning outcomes? In the learning project, we conduct research based on educational practices and cognitive science to address these questions. We explore ways to achieve “better learning.” As an educational approach for children to learn creatively and learn how to learn, we promote Project-Based Learning. Project-Based Learning is a learning style that nurtures fundamental life skills. Moreover, we engage in activities to bridge the gap between research and practice and establish a community of teachers and international researchers/practitioners. These activities include the following:
◇ [http://cogpsy.sfc.keio.ac.jp/able/] (Agents for Bridging Learning Research and Educational Practice): We lead a community that connects researchers, educational practitioners, and individuals aspiring for social change. We invite speakers from Japan and overseas who conduct the latest research and practices. We discuss how to bridge the gap between learning research and educational practice through these events. For detailed information and past events, please visit the website below.
◇ Assessment Development and Measurement of Language and Thinking Skills: We develop assessments to measure language proficiency, cognitive abilities, and reasoning skills for children who struggle with poor language and academic performance. We collaborate with teachers to conduct large-scale surveys. The research project involves assessment development and data analysis. Furthermore, based on the survey results, we develop teaching materials and curricula to enable children to learn deeply and enjoyably.
◇ Japanese Language Support for Foreign Infants and Children: To support children of foreign roots who do not have Japanese as their native language, we conduct assessments and research teaching methods.
Enrolled students generally participate in both (1) supplementary research on language foundations and (2) workshops to learn what “learning” means for children, as they acquire theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary for graduation projects.