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,Question 1 [40] 1.1 According to Piaget, cognitive development is a
progressive reorganisation of mental processes resulting from
biological maturation and environmental experience. This view
sparked the nature versus nurture debate about the development of
cognition. When I prompted ChatGPT about these two conflicting
views on the literacy development of young children, it generated
the following response: The nature vs. nurture debate in the context
of literacy development in young children is a longstanding and
complex topic in developmental psychology and education. It
centres around the question of whether children’s reading and
writing abilities are primarily influenced by their innate biological
factors (nature) or shaped by their environment, experiences, and
social interactions (nurture). In reality, literacy development is a
result of the interplay between both nature and nurture. Let’s
explore both: 1. Nature (Innate factors): • Genetic predispositions:
Some children may have a genetic predisposition that makes them
more receptive to learning language and literacy skills. For instance,
certain genetic traits might affect their ability to process phonetic
information or grasp grammar rules more easily. • Neurological
factors: Brain development plays a crucial role in literacy
acquisition. Some children might have neurological differences that
affect their language processing and reading skills. For example,
difficulties in phonological awareness, which is the ability to
identify and manipulate sounds in spoken language, can impact
reading readiness. • Biological maturation: As children grow, their
brains undergo biological changes that support various aspects of
literacy, such as memory, attention, and information processing.
These changes can influence how well and how quickly they acquire
reading and writing skills. 2. Nurture (Environmental factors): •
Home environment: A rich and stimulating home environment,
, including exposure to books, reading aloud, and engaging in
literacy-related activities, can foster early CHL2601/ASSESSMENT
6/2024 7 literacy skills. Children who grow up in homes where
reading is valued are more likely to develop an interest in reading
themselves. • Parental involvement: Parents and caregivers who
actively engage with children in language-based activities,
storytelling, and discussions enhance their language skills and
literacy development. Regular interactions with adults who read to
them and encourage their reading efforts can significantly impact
children’s progress. • Quality of early education: The quality of
early education and preschool experiences can have a substantial
effect on literacy development. High-quality programmes that focus
on language and literacy skills provide a supportive foundation for
children’s reading and writing abilities. • Socio-economic status
(SES): Research suggests that children from higher SES
backgrounds tend to have better literacy outcomes. This could be
due to access to more resources, including books, educational
material, and opportunities for enriching experiences. • Interaction
and interdependence: It is essential to recognise that nature and
nurture are not mutually exclusive; rather, they interact and
influence each other in a child’s literacy development. For example,
a child’s genetic makeup might affect their language processing
abilities, but their exposure to a language-rich environment can
further support and refine those abilities. In conclusion, the nature
vs. nurture debate regarding literacy development in young children
cannot be easily distilled into a simple either/or scenario. Both
nature and nurture play integral roles in shaping a child’s reading
and writing skills. Understanding this interaction can help educators,
parents and caregivers provide more effective and targeted support
for children’s literacy growth. Based on this response, develop an
