Course Administrative Remarks

  • Assignment Deadlines:

    • Reminder: Submit assignments by the ninth.

    • Some students already submitted; grading is in progress.

    • Quick turnaround is essential, especially with two classes.

  • Feedback Importance:

    • Read instructor comments thoroughly, as they address areas needing improvement or incorrect information.

    • Comments serve as a model for review and studying.

Information Processing in Children

  • Context of Information Processing:

    • Focus on memory and attention from early childhood to middle childhood.

    • Ability to plan and hold information in one’s head improves with age.

Memory Strategies

  • Memory Usage in Preschoolers:

    • Preschoolers do not naturally use memory strategies.

    • Importance of adult intervention for teaching memory strategies.

  • Types of Memory Strategies:

    • Rehearsal:

    • Defined as the repetition of information to memorize it.

    • Example: Practicing spelling words for tests.

    • Recognized as the lowest level of memorization as it does not encourage meaningful understanding or application of knowledge.

    • Organization:

    • Involves grouping items to facilitate memory.

    • Example: Organizing grocery items by store sections (e.g., produce, dairy).

    • Typically developed by third grade as it requires cognitive work.

    • Elaboration:

    • Creating relationships between pieces of information to enhance memory.

    • Requires more cognitive effort than rehearsal and organization.

    • Example: Using acronyms or visual associations (e.g., using "beach" to remember groceries).

  • Effective Learning through Elaboration:

    • Practical applications such as songs or phrases to remember sequences or lists (e.g., days of the week, ABCs).

  • Personal Memory Techniques:

    • Using name association, visualization, acronyms, etc., to bolster recollection.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development

  • Overview of Erikson's Theory:

    • Describes identity formation across stages from infancy to adolescence.

    • Each stage focuses on resolving a central conflict that influences personality development.

Stages of Psychosocial Development

  1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy):

    • Concern with caregiver reliability.

    • Development of trust leads to worldview positivity.

  2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood):

    • Agency development where caregivers give choices.

    • Failure to allow agency may lead to feelings of shame and doubt.

  3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Age):

    • Children exhibit exploration and self-initiative.

    • Over-criticism leads to guilt and potential avoidance of future initiatives.

  4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age):

    • Self-perception of competence develops through experiences in school.

    • Comparisons with peers may result in feelings of inferiority without positive reinforcement.

Peer Relationships and Friendships

  • Choice of Friends in Childhood:

    • Preschool friendships often based on playful interactions, not much deeper understanding.

  • Role of Proximity:

    • Friendships primarily developed from nearness and parental influence.

  • Shift in Friendship Dynamics:

    • Discussions around trust and more meaningful connections arise in later grades.

Types of Peer Acceptance

  • Research Methodology for Peer Acceptance:

    • Survey that lists classmates to gauge preferences (like/dislike/no opinion).

  • Popular Kids:

    • Acquired more likes than dislikes.

    • Types:

    • Prosocial: Outgoing, friendly, cooperative, often come from authoritative households.

    • Antisocial: Popular for superficial reasons; can be aggressive.

  • Rejected Kids:

    • More dislikes than likes.

    • Types:

    • Rejected-Aggressive: Often bullies using hostility to gain power.

    • Rejected-Withdrawn: Victims, more shy or immature behaviors.

  • Neglected Kids:

    • Get many no opinion votes; tends to be quiet rather than disliked or bullied.

  • Controversial Kids:

    • Have both liked and disliked responses; can balance social interactions.

Interventions and Support for Children

  • Strategies for Support:

    • Parental involvement, mentorship, and positive reinforcement during critical social interactions.

    • Comprehensive measures for addressing issues experienced by both bullies and victims.