What Happens When A Child Struggles To Assimilate New Information?

Assimilation in cognitive development refers to the mental process of incorporating new information into our existing framework of understanding the world. Essentially, when we come across novel information, we mentally process and interpret it by connecting it to our pre-existing knowledge. This process helps us make sense of the world around us and allows for the expansion and refinement of our cognitive schema. This concept is fundamental in the field of cognitive psychology and plays a crucial role in how we learn and adapt to new experiences.

Assimilation in lifespan development refers to the cognitive process through which individuals, particularly children, incorporate new information or experiences into their existing mental frameworks or schemata. This occurs alongside another crucial process known as accommodation. Essentially, when children encounter new information, they go through a dual process of assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation specifically involves integrating new information in a way that aligns with their existing knowledge base. In simpler terms, it’s when they incorporate information that is similar or comparable to what they already understand. This process allows individuals to build upon their existing cognitive structures, facilitating the learning and understanding of new concepts and experiences.