Children's Theory Of Mind: Educational And Instructional Implications

Abstract

The paper focused on theory of mind development during the preschool years. Theory of mind is the cognitive capacity to attribute mental states to self and others. Understanding behavior in this way is a core psychological understanding, which enables children to engage socially and communicate effectively. The paper was presented under developmental trend of theory of mind, theories offered as explanations for the development of theory of mind, and educational and instructional implications of theory of mind. The theoretical framework was theory theory which postulates that children collect evidence about the relation between mental states and action, much as scientists collect data to form a theory. The paper concludes that theory of mind is a significant social and cognitive development in the preschoolers years. Recommendations include the provision of opportunities for pretend play, introduction of mental experiences and positive interaction in the classroom to enhance theory of mind development.