Child & Adolescent Learners & Learning Principles

Growth

Quantitative changes in size, weight number, etc. It is observable

Growth

changes that take place in particular aspects of the body & behavior; one of the parts of development

Growth

continues throughout life but stops with the attainment of maturity

Development

Qualitative changes in the quality. Cannot be measured

Development

Describes the changes in the organism as a WHOLE; possible even without growth

Development

Continuous process - from womb to tomb. Conception to death. Conception is the start of development

Maturation/Nature

Factor Influencing Growth & Development

The natural growth resulting from heredity

Environmental Influences/Nurture

Factor Influencing Growth & Development

In and through which the growing takes place

Cephalocaudal Pattern

during infancy, the greatest growth always occurs at the top.

Head to Toe

Head to Tail

Upper to Lower

Proximodistal Pattern

Muscular control of the trunk and arms comes earlier as compared to the hands and finger

Near to Far

Center to Extremities

Center to outward

Principles of Development

1. Development follows an orderly sequence which is predictable.

2. The rate of development is unique in each individual

3. Development involves change - PME (Physical, Mental, Emotional)

4. Early development is more critical than later development

5. Development is the product of maturation and learning

6. Principle of inter-related development - SME (Social, Mental, Emotional)

7. There are social expectations for every developmental period which are often referred to as Developmental tasks

Gross Motor Development

Large Muscles in the body such as legs, arms, and the chest

Fine Motor Development

The small muscles such as those in the hand, fingers, lips and tongue.