Development week 1

1. Defining Human Development

• Definition: Human development encompasses processes of continuity and change across the lifespan, including stability and shifts in physical growth, maturation, thinking, and feelings (Hoffnung et al., 2018).

• Study of Development: Known as developmental psychology, the study investigates patterns of stability and change in humans across their lifetime.

• Core Concepts:

  • Continuity within Change: The experience of continuity and discontinuity through development.

  • Lifelong Growth: Recognition of potential for growth at all ages.

  • Changing Points of View: Acknowledgment of shifts in thoughts and feelings through development.

  • Developmental Diversity: Acceptance of varying patterns of development.

• Domains of Development:

  • Main domains identified:

    • Physical

    • Cognitive

    • Psychosocial

  • Alternative views may include emotional, language, and moral aspects (Garvis et al., 2019; Duchesne & McMaugh, 2019).

2. Major Perspectives of Human Development

• Importance of Theories: Theories provide frameworks for understanding human development, encompassing various assumptions about growth, maturation, and learning.

• Key Perspectives:

  • Psychodynamic Theories: Explore the relationship between conscious/unconscious experiences and individual development.

  • Behaviourism: Focuses on how consequences shape behavior (Miller et al., 2022).

  • Cognitive Theories: Address how individuals process, think, and store information (Portland State University, 2021).

  • Sociocultural Theories: Emphasize active participation in development through social interactions (Kuther, 2018).

  • Humanistic Theories: Value individual qualities and the potential for change.

3. Dominant Theorists in Developmental Psychology

• Role of Theories: Theories help make sense of human development and can evolve through evidence-based research.

• Continuous vs. Discontinuous Theories:

  • Continuous: Describes gradual development.

  • Discontinuous: Describes significant changes at distinct stages.

• Prominent Theorists to Explore:

  • Ainsworth, Pavlov, Bandura, Piaget, Bowlby, Skinner, Erikson, Vygotsky, Freud, Watson (Crain, 2016).

4. Nature vs. Nurture

• Conceptual Understanding: The dichotomy between innate knowledge and experiential learning (tabula rasa - John Locke).

• Nature: Genetic predispositions and inherent abilities influencing development.

• Nurture: Environmental factors contributing to growth.

• Integrative Perspective: Both genetics and environment interact in shaping development (Garvis et al., 2019).

5. Risk and Protective Factors

• Definitions:

  • Risk Factors: Conditions that increase the likelihood of negative developmental outcomes.

  • Protective Factors: Conditions that enhance positive outcomes and mitigate the impact of risk.

• Importance: Recognizing individual circumstances helps in understanding how risk and protective factors may influence development across multiple domains.

• Examples of Factors:

  • Individual Traits: Personal beliefs, temperament, intelligence.

  • Family Context: Parental aspirations, caregiving.

  • School Context: Peer groups, social climate.

  • Community Context: Access to resources and support.

6. The Art of Observation

• Role of Observation: Essential for understanding human development and applying theory to real-world contexts.

• Observational Practices:

  • Intentionality: Observers maintain a clear focus on what and whom they observe.

  • Documentation: Systematic and structured recording of observations for future use.

  • Insights: Observation aids in understanding children's growth, abilities, and needs (Neaum, 2016).

• Purpose: Helps educators identify learning needs and implement appropriate teaching strategies.