73321 - PROCESSI COGNITIVI DISFUNZIONALI

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the various learning difficulties encountered in school settings, from both a cognitive and neuropsychological perspective. This includes appropriate references to recent developments in diagnostic and rehabilitative practices.

The acquisition of such knowledge and skills enables students to design, manage, and implement—also in collaboration with other professionals—educational and preventive interventions to address learning difficulties and promote social inclusion. Students will become familiar with the main cognitive models of learning disorders and the legal frameworks of national educational systems.

They will develop critical thinking in analyzing the core constructs of dysfunctional cognitive psychology. This critical capacity is also reflected in their ability to make interdisciplinary connections between psychology and related disciplines and to develop independent reflections on these topics.

Students will be able to clearly communicate the knowledge acquired during the course and formulate independent conclusions on the topics discussed. They will also acquire the terminology of cognitive psychology and the theoretical and conceptual knowledge covered in the course. These competencies can be applied to support argumentation, develop psycho-social-educational projects, apply evaluative tools to educational interventions for social disadvantage, read scientific articles, and participate in national and international discussions.

Course contents

Module II (Prof. Marco Fabbri) offers a thorough introduction to the main learning disorders and the diagnostic manuals used for their assessment, as well as to the relevant Italian legislation, presented in language appropriate to the discipline. The module explores the concepts of neuroconstructivism, including interactive specialization, multifactoriality, and dimensional comorbidity, with contributions from neuroscience and the analysis of diagnostic and clinical profiles.

Topics covered include developmental dyslexia, difficulties and disorders in mathematics (such as dyscalculia), dysgraphia, dysorthography, written expression difficulties, text comprehension disorders, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving disorders, specific language disorders, difficulties in learning foreign languages (especially among bilingual students), and visuospatial developmental disorders.

Module I (Prof. Valsecchi) focuses on non-specific learning disorders: borderline intellectual functioning, intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders. These topics are integrated with the evaluation of cognitive abilities—particularly theories and intelligence tests—as well as the emotional-motivational aspects involved in managing learning difficulties and the organization of support services within clinical and school institutions.

Both modules may include the presentation of key scientific studies and the description of neural correlates related to learning disorders. Course content is valid for both currently enrolled and out-of-course students.

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook:

Cornoldi, C. (Ed.). I disturbi dell’apprendimento (2nd ed., 2023). Bologna: Il Mulino. ISBN: 978-88-15-38393-8.
To be studied in full, especially:

• Module II: Chapters I–IX
• Module I: Chapters X–XIII

Additional readings for Module I:

• Vio, C., & Lo Presti, G. (2014). Diagnosi dei disturbi evolutivi. Modelli, criteri diagnostici e casi clinici - Aggiornato al DSM-5. Trento: Erickson. ISBN: 9788859004875 ONLY Chapter VI: Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Strepparava, M.G., & Iacchia, E. (2012). Psicopatologia cognitiva dello sviluppo. Milan: Raffaello Cortina Editore. ISBN: 9788860304452. ONLY Chapter 16: Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The bibliography and exam program are the same for both attending and non-attending students.

Teaching methods

The course includes 48 hours of in-person lectures:

• Module II: 30 hours taught by Prof. Fabbri
• Module I: 18 hours taught by Prof. Valsecchi

Unless otherwise specified, each lesson lasts two hours. Classes may include PowerPoint presentations, short videos, practical exercises, or discussion of scientific articles.

Assessment methods

Knowledge acquired is assessed through an oral exam covering the entire integrated course. Each answer is evaluated for accuracy, clarity of expression, coherence of argument, use of appropriate technical language, and ability to critically connect different course topics. The final grade is based on the overall performance in the oral exam and is jointly determined by both instructors. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.

Students may withdraw from the exam at any time during the examination. The use of smartphones, computers, tablets, dictionaries, textbooks, notes, or any other study materials is not allowed during the exam.

The evaluation methods apply equally to both currently enrolled and out-of-course students.

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it): it will be their responsibility to propose any adaptations to the students concerned, which must however be submitted, at least 7 days in advance, to the approval of the teacher, who will evaluate the opportunity also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides will be used during lectures and shared on the university's online learning platform. These slides are intended only as supplementary study aids and do not replace the textbooks required for the exam. Any other use, such as reproduction or distribution, is considered unauthorized.

Recommended Documents:

• Consensus Conference 2010:

https://www.aiditalia.org/storage/files/dislessia-che-fare/Cc_Disturbi_Apprendimento.pdf

• 2022 Guidelines:

https://www.iss.it/documents/20126/8331678/LG-389-AIP_DSA

Office hours

See the website of Marco Fabbri

See the website of Matteo Valsecchi