Collaborative Reasoning and children's development of language and thought

Abstract

This chapter describes a collaborative learning format called Collaborative Reasoning (CR) that facilitates the simultaneous development of language and thought. CR features peer-led, open-format discussions, in which children exchange ideas with peers and improve each other's mental models through constructive interaction. Cross-cultural studies have suggested a dynamic relationship between the development of language and thought during CR, where each reciprocally enhances the other. Results indicate children can overcome the constraints of their own level of cognitive development, enhance their language skills, and develop higher-order thinking across various social, educational, and cultural contexts.