A child's cognitive development changes over time in which the thinking ability of a child increases. The brain continues to develop in which the child will be able to carry out abilities that begin with the using of senses, memory, thinking logically, and problem solving. The ability of a child varies from child to child but for the most part the development of children progresses in an orderly manner (Kato, 2010). It is very important that teachers and early childhood professionals are familiars with the ability of their children so they will be able to provide them with the services and resources needed to increase their cognitive ability. They also have to understand the importance of assessing and measuring a child's ability and the purpose of the different methods. According to the World Bank (2011), "An assessment of the needs of young children provides you with an understanding of children's developmental status and condition in order to define the areas and groups which are most in need of attention" (para. 3).
There have been several forms of research conducted in which there have been different aspects viewed as how the cognitive ability of children should be measured and assessed. However, during this day in time, the most common and traditional method is the use of standardized tests. This type of method may be effective, however I feel that this method may not be an accurate way to measure or assess a child's ability. I feel that the downfall of assessment tools such as standardized tests are not beneficial for all children. I feel that some children may not have test taking skills or the mindset to sit and take a test. Also I feel that even though the test may be on a level for that particular grade, the child may have a hard time comprehending some of the questions on the test especially if the child is struggling in reading. They child may understand and be able to implement the concept but may not understand what the question is asking. I am not saying that standardized tests should be completely taken away, however I feel that there should also be a second option where students can have a performance based assessment in which the results of the written test and performance test can be compared. I just feel that if we are going to stick to assessing the whole child, we have to come up with a way that the assessments or measures that are given takes both the cognitive and emotional development of the child in mind.
I have always been interested in the lives and education of children in Africa in which I used the country of Africa for my focus on researching how their children's abilities are measured and assessed. I was shocked to find out that the students' abilities in Southern Africa are assessed and measured through the use of standardized test like the children in America. There are several tests that are used to determine the levels that their children are functioning on. However, the thing that I found was interesting was that Africa also wants to focus on the whole child in which they are trying to find other ways to not only assess the ability of the child but also things that can be down to allow African children to live healthy and productive lives. A lot of the children in Africa go to school but are basically not learning. According to Fleet (2012), "37 million African children will learn so little while in they are in school that they will not be much better off than those kids who never attend school" (para. 1). With this in mind the leaders of the country continue to search for or develop ways that can help improve the education levels of the children.
As a personal opinion, I just believe that it is very important to determine the ability of our children so that we may be able to provide them with the information and help needed in order to help them successfully progress through school so that they can become successful individuals. If we do not develop a successful and effective way to assess their needs then we will fail as professionals in which we are there to serve them. The children are our future and it is up to us to prepare them for the journey.
References
Kato, S. L.
(2010). Teaching. Tinley Park, Il: Goodheart-Willcox Co.
The World Bank. (2011). Needs assessments and indicators. Retrieved from
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTECD/0,,contentMDK:20200666~menuPK:524388~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:344939~isCURL:Y,00.html
