Theories of Child Development and Their Impact on Early Childhood Education

These flashcards cover various theories of child development, their implications for early childhood education, and key concepts related to these theories.

Theory

A systematic statement of principles related to observed phenomena and their relationships to each other.

Maturationist Theory

Indicates that an individual's hereditary has the most impact on children's development.

Constructivist Theory

Suggests children actively construct their own knowledge about their experiences.

Behaviorist Theory

Focuses on learning as a modification in behavior through reinforcement and associations.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Explains how unconscious motives influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, particularly based on childhood experiences.

Ecological Theory

Emphasizes how the environment and interrelated conditions affect a child's development.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The concept that cognitive development is facilitated through social interaction and support.

Assimilation

The process of fitting new information into existing schemas or understandings.

Accommodation

The process of altering existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Readiness

A concept referring to when children are at a maturation level to learn new behaviors or skills.

Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Educational practices that are based on the child's developmental level and needs.

Scaffolding

Support provided to a learner that is tailored to their needs, with the goal of helping them achieve independence.

Nomothetic Laws

Universal laws in human development applicable to all individuals.

Idiographic Patterns

Developmental patterns that are unique to individual children.

Child-Centered Education

An educational approach focusing on the needs and interests of the child.

Sociocultural Theory

A theory that emphasizes the role of culture and social interactions in cognitive development.

Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express their feelings and deal with emotional issues.