intro to module - human growth and development

Introduction

• Welcome and Greetings

  • Initial warm welcome to students

  • Acknowledgment of the previous week's challenges with public speaking

Recording and Class Setup

• Instructions for recording and online visibility

  • Ensuring all participants can see and hear well

Overview of the Day's Topics

• Focus on Human Growth and Development Theories

  • Importance of understanding this module for social work

Classroom Conduct Agreements

• Peace and Presence in the Classroom

  • Importance of managing distractions, particularly phone use

  • Emphasis on attendance and participation in discussions

  • Encouragement to maintain curiosity and critical thinking mindset

  • Reminder of the safe space for discussions and sharing experiences

Theoretical Framework

• Rationale for Discussing Theories in the Module

  • Acknowledgment that everyone has theories that inform their understanding of life

  • Discussion on popular theories such as attachment

  • Importance of diverse viewpoints and listening

  • Ethical considerations of using AI in developing viewpoints and how to responsibly source information

Module Aim & Importance

• Aim of the Module

  • To provide understanding of human development across the lifespan

  • Coverage from pre-birth to aging

  • Importance in practical social work settings to understand developmental journeys

Focus Areas of Theories

• Three Main Strands of Theories:

  1. Biological Theories

  2. Psychological Theories

  3. Sociological Theories

• Interconnectedness of these strands due to the complexity of human beings

• Discussion on the significance of development being disrupted by various factors (e.g., structural inequalities)

Learning Outcomes

• Expected Learning Outcomes of the Module:

  • Explanation of human development across the lifespan

  • Exploration of the necessity of theories in social work practices

  • Recognition of transitions and factors affecting those transitions

  • Engagement with social phenomena that have psychological and sociological impacts on development

  • Deep understanding of the impact of societal and structural inequalities

Transition and Life Changes

• Discussion on life transitions

  • Importance of recognizing emotional implications during transitions (e.g., adolescence, retirement)

  • The role of social workers in enhancing resilience from these transitions

Connection to Practice

• Approach to Understanding Individuals in Practice

  • Exploration of how this knowledge helps in understanding individuals with complex life challenges (e.g., homelessness, addiction)

  • Building foundational knowledge in year four to build on in subsequent levels

Course Structure

• Structure of the Course

  • 28 hours of lectures planned

  • 14 hours of directed study assignments

  • Mix of independent study combined with the lectures

Assignment Details

• Academic Poster Assignment Overview

  • Discuss how social workers use lifespan theories with individuals

  • Structure of the poster with a word count (500-700 words)

  • Presentation format and expected engagement with peers and faculty

Discussion on the Simpsons Family as a Case Study

• Introduction to using The Simpsons for learning

  • Selection of a character to analyze through lifespan theories

• Examination of diverse life journeys represented in the family

Presentation Skills and Tips

• Guidance for presenting the poster

  • Preparing a visual guide vs. detailed script

  • Importance of confident body language and eye contact with audiences

  • Encouragement to engage with viewers and handle questions confidently

Resources and Support

• Access to resources for assignments

  • Directed tasks available on Moodle and through lecture slides

Conclusion and Break

• Initial responses and feedback about the coursework and assignments

• Announcement for a short break before continuing to the next part of the session.