Class Thought, Language and Problem Solving

The topics under discussion in this curricular unit are assumed to have a fundamental role in this
formation by describing the relationship between the higher cognitive processes of thought and
language with problem solving, thus contributing to a better understanding of communication
skills and social interaction. Thus, a higher work load was defined for this curricular unit to
accomplish the learning goals.

1. Thought
1.1. Conceptual foundations
1.2. Mental representations, concepts and categories
1.3. The process of Thought throughout the life span
1.4. Thought and metacognitive processes
1.5. Thought and reasoning
1.6. Relationship between Thought and Language
2. Language
2.1. Conceptual foundations
2.2. Framing Language in human phylogenetic development
2.3. Biological, cognitive and social fundamentals

2.4. Acquisition and development of Language
2.4.1. Theoretical Paradigms
2.4.2. Speech comprehension and recognition, vocabulary acquisition and language production
2.4.3. Reading and writing
2.4.4 Normative and dysfunctional functioning
3. Applications of knowledge related to Thought and Language
3.1. Individual differences
3.2. Developmental dimensions
3.3. Implications for learning
4. Problem solving
4.1. Understanding the problem, producing and evaluating strategies
4.2. Facilitators and obstacles: the role of heuristics

The curricular unit is organized in theory-practical classes, where the programmatic contents are presented and articulated with an active and participative learning through activities of different natures, such as, critical analysis of scientific articles, visualization and discussion of video elements, replication of experimental methodologies and practical exercises. 

Ambridge, B. & Rowland. C. F. (2013). Experimental methods in studying child language
acquisition. WIREs Cognitve Science. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1215
Anderson, J. (2010). Cognitive psychology and its implications (7th Ed.). New York: Worth
Publishers.
Manktelow, K. (2012). Thinking and reasoning. Sussex: Psychology Press.
Sim-Sim, I. (1998). O desenvolvimento da linguagem. Lisboa: Universidade Aberta.
Sternberg, R. J., & Sternberg, K. (2012). Cognitive Psychology (6th Ed.). Belmont:
Wadsworth/Cengage.