Toddlers learn to solve problems much more effectively than commonly thought, says UC Davis child psychologist Zhe Chen.

In a study of children ages 18 to 35 months, Chen, an assistant professor of human and community development, and co-author Robert Siegler of Carnegie Mellon University found toddlers are active learners and problem solvers, Chen says. "We think younger children are not paying attention when in fact they are very observant."

Like older children, toddlers use multiple strategies over the course of learning. They learn more complex tasks by at first learning how to perform them in a simpler way. Gradually, as they repeat the task, the toddlers adapt to the environment and acquire a deeper level of learning.

"We found that toddlers' ability to learn is very impressive," Chen says.

Parents can enhance their toddlers' learning in two ways, he suggests. First, when teaching a toddler how to perform a task, such as how to operate a new toy, model the task. At the same time, explain to the child what you are doing, verbally reinforcing the action. The toddlers will continue to benefit from that instruction when they face new challenges with other toys.

"When adults provide such cues, children will learn," Chen says.

Chen and Siegler's research, "Across the Great Divide: Bridging the Gap Between Understanding of Toddlers' and Older Children's Thinking," was published recently as a monograph by the Society for Research in Child Development.

Media contacts:
-- Zhe Chen, Human and Community Development, (530) 754-6750, zhechen@ucdavis.edu
-- Susanne Rockwell, News Service, (530) 752-9841, sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu