Before you start the modules choose which of the skills your favorites are. Then write down the ones that you have the most difficulty with. Place each in a column and then review why you like some more than others, indicating the pros and cons. You will begin to find characteristics of associated with skills and then have some insight into how you think. Understanding how we think and learn leads us to recognize our natural talents and from that point we can then advance and build better mental infrastructures.
In regards to simplicity the modules focus on five cognitive methodologies:
1. Comprehension
2. Application
3. Analysis
4. Synthesis
5. Evaluation
Everybody thinks and we have our own preferences for a value that leads one towards an organization of a value. What makes people unique is their characterization for a value and how that value is expressed in cognition or how we think. Identification of each of the five primary modes of cognition can be swayed by our personal styles and approaches. Each one has its characteristics and by virtues of one’s profession, culture, customs or beliefs we may show an unconscious preference for one over another. All are important and any stigmatization should be avoided in attributing values to either one.
There are some professions that require a greater need for some at tasks as opposed to others. We have three primary degree programs and each will utilize these cognition skills. Our proficiency depends on us being open to identifying which cognition skills are needed and some of the tasks may require a greater frequency of certain skills but not to the exclusion of any of the rest.
In the Human Services program one may have to integrate clients within the community either on a program level or direct service level. Awareness of which cognition we use will have an impact on the contract deliverables. Human Service professionals will operate both independently and with groups thus necessitating analysis and synthesis to identify client needs and agency requirements with a view towards a successful partnership. Treatment plans demand the mastery of application and evaluation with realistic probabilities.
The business administration program graduates may work with many departments such as marketing, finance, public relations, community service, advertising and legal to name a few. Often times you may work with one or more departments on tasks and it is at this time a willingness to receive and respond are critical in cohesion. How one interprets information is directly related to comprehension. Some tasks may have multiple deadlines that will require comprehension and a solid grasps on synthesis.
The Early Childhood education program is more than just helping children to increase their self esteem and increasing their test scores. It is here that awareness becomes pivotal in recognizing how students think and cognition skills becomes your asset in outreach and curriculum implementation whether state or federal. Educators must prepare for comprehension, synthesis and evaluation to facilitate unbiased and flexible approaches.
Regardless of the program whether associates, bachelor or graduate all will require cognition skills. The profusion of synthesis and evaluation will be permeated in the final outcome of your module experience. Your own evaluation is most important in assessing the value of and execution of the modules. It is your preferences that create the environment for learning how to utilize the modules for greater effect. Through trial and error we learn which of these skills we are strong in and those that we need to strengthen. Eventually you will experience a generalized set from learning how you think and why you decide to utilize specific cognition skills. The modules are just tools and we have an opportunity to become masters of each cognition skill as opposed to a jack- of- all trades.
As Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Chief Academic Officer, I wish to congratulate "Our Voices" for an excellent edition of the Newsletter. Indeed, I was extremely impressed by the effort, acumen and the intellectual rigor of the articles -- not to mention the overall affective awareness these pieces show.
ReplyDeleteThe first piece, "A Preference for Cognition," is thought provoking. I was very, very relieved to see the integration of affect and intellect in this piece: that is, indeed, what we at Boricua College strive for, not just in our students, but in ourselves. The dove-tailing of the affective and intellectual language is almost seamless. Again, congratulations!
I would love to meet with the Students Council leaders, perhaps on a Thursday when they meet with the Manhattan Campus' Assistant Dean and Chair of Generic Studies, Prof. Jose Hernandez. Together -- and let's invite a couple of erstwhile Manhattan faculty like Professor Doris Mills as well -- together, I would like to generate an intellectual and affective discussion about how to further advance the ideas expressed in this Newsletter.
There are a couple of very small errors here, nothing that serious. I would point them out in person. Also, the 87% of students preferring tutorials in the intellectual skills actually contradicts the purpose of Individualized Instructions which is NOT only the completion of the modular work, but for students and faculty together to begin to understand their cognitive stance as this article attempts to explore. Obviously, we as a College have further work to do here if the students are asking for tutorials in the modules.
But these are all issues we need to talk about. The bottom line is that this is an excellent, excellent production: attractive, professional and very thought provoking.
Cheers,
Shivaji Sengupta, Ph.D.
VP and Chief Academic Officer
Boricua College