A lifespan developmental perspective on strategic processing

This chapter aims to elaborate on a developmental orientation of strategic processing. The presented developmental framework illuminates essential characteristics throughout the distinct stages of strategic processing for diverse individuals who are learning in markedly different contexts. The chapter focuses on the developmental stages of strategic processing by presenting a framework that encompasses shifts in learners’ strategy use across the lifespan. Existing strategies are modified, upgraded, and fine-tuned to serve new purposes, different strategies are combined in novel ways, and new strategies are learned and acquired. Strategies are always initiated, enacted, and monitored by a learner who approaches tasks or problems in a unique way depending on individual variation in biological, psychological, as well as cognitive factors. Explicit attention to the instruction of strategies can increase teachers’ competence to guide learners through this developmental course and equip them with a rich strategic repertoire.