Traditional linear, dualistic development theories allow neither for a feedback loop nor for this greater change to both parties. As a result more recent research supports the holistic idea of development as a result of emergent self organisation over progressive stages such as those advocated by Piaget (Kim M. & Sankey D., 2010, p79). Traditionally, child development is expected to occur within fairly set parameters. Even Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development limits the parameters within which a child is expected to develop (Vygotsky L. 1978, p82). Although these ‘stages’ of development are useful as a guide, it is possible that children are diagnosed with developmental issues too soon may be over medicalised if they are not seen to have met certain stages ‘in time’. By viewing development through a non linear lens it is possible to see why children may seem to be progressing slowly, differently or even backwards. By observing development holistically, where social interaction and genes influence each other it will be easier for those diagnosing developmental ‘issues’ in children to see more clearly why a child’s development may be differing.
The notion that development is a process of emergent self-organisation is further supported by the growing understanding of brain plasticity, which could only be possible if human brains develop in a non linear, dynamic fashion. The brain’s plasticity allows for changes and development throughout life, and for the brain to overcome certain levels of damage through reorganisation of the neural pathways. Although learning and the ability to make new pathways slows with age, it does not stop and it allows for the brain to change, even in adulthood, should the need arise (Mosier W., ...
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Children are complex, and the way a child develops differs from individual to individual. The study of children is a field that researchers, scientists, theorists and educators have been exploring for decades. CHYS 1F90 studies the foundations of childhood development and allows the students to look at the way children develop through multiple lenses. Many conclusions have been drawn, observing how, when and why children develop the way they do. Jerry and Samantha are both grade one students who are unrelated. Although these two students are both the same age, they are different on a variety of accounts. Jerry is a shy and introverted boy who quickly becomes uncomfortable while talking to adults, teachers and peers, contrariwise Samantha is immensely confident and demonstrates extroversion around others. After analyzing both Jerry and Samantha through a biological, learning theorist and psychoanalytical lens, the reasons for the first-graders differences are clear. Depending on the lens in which an individual looks through when analyzing the development of children, interesting and intriguing conclusions can be drawn regarding the broad topic of understanding how children develop.
...stically present the three overarching perspectives that guide today's researchers and practitioners of developmental psychology, David Bjorklund and Carlos Hern? CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT: AN IINTEGRATED APPROACH shows how the major perspectives on human development must be integrated? Rather than presented as contrasting and sometimes contradictory ways of looking at development? In order to meaningfully understand infants, children, and adolescents as well as how they develop.
Brains and the more nonessential parts of the nervous system are made up of neurons (Meadows, 1993 p. 266). The brain is made up of neurons, axons, dendrites, and synapse. They all have their individual job that contributes to the functioning of the body. The weight of the brain increases as a child develops into adulthood. According to Siegler & Alibali (2005, p13), the changes in the size of the brain make it possible for advanced thinking. The neurons are the functioning core of the brain (Brotherson, 2005). The brain begins to develop in the mother’s womb and continue to develop as the child develops. The neuron has branches protruding from the cell sending signals to the synapse and axon. The synapse and axon shapes the brain which allows connections to be made. Young children learn new information when they follow the same routine on a regular base. If a parent repeatedly calls a child a certain name, then connections form that allow the child to recognize that name over time and he or she will begin to respond to that name (Brotherson, 2005). Through repetitive experiences the axons and synapse strengthen causing learning to take place.
Over the years, many theorist such as Freud, Ericson and Piaget, have developed their own understanding and beliefs about human development. Before divulging into my own development,
Van de Walle, J., , F., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2010). Elementary and middle school mathematics, teaching developmentally. (Seventh ed.). New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon.
Smith P.J., Cowie, H., & Blades, M. (2003). Understanding Children’s Development (4th ed.). London, UK: Blackwell Publishing. (Chapter 15 covers the work of Vygotsky, Bruner and Call)
The way a child develops through out their lives has been a crucial topic, a topic where many theorist state that children develop internally (born with it or on their own) or externally (with the help of others). The scope of a child developing successfully, for those who believe in internal development, consists of completing or experiencing each of the stages the theorists such as Piaget’s stages of intellectual development, Freud’s stages of psychosexual development or the eight stages of life that Erickson constructed. Theorists such as Vygotsky, Bandura, Skinner, and Brofrenbrenner, who believe in external development, stated that a child development consists of exterior influences such as parent, friends, the society or our environment. Regardless
Mathematics has become a very large part of society today. From the moment children learn the basic principles of math to the day those children become working members of society, everyone has used mathematics at one point in their life. The crucial time for learning mathematics is during the childhood years when the concepts and principles of mathematics can be processed more easily. However, this time in life is also when the point in a person’s life where information has to be broken down to the very basics, as children don’t have an advanced capacity to understand as adults do. Mathematics, an essential subject, must be taught in such a way that children can understand and remember.
In the developing stages of a child, psychological factors play a huge role in th...
Development is defined as the process of change, a pattern that occurs from birth throughout the lifespan of the individual (Keenan and Evans, 2009). In the UK it is usual to cover child development between birth and nineteen years. Development is often categorised into different areas of development; physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social. Smidt (2006) suggested that all areas of development are interrelated. Therefore development has to be approached with a holistic view; whilst looking at one area of development all areas of development need to be considered. "The holistic ideology values the whole child understanding the young child as an individual within the context of his or her family, community and culture” Wood (1998). With this in mind practitioners need to be aware of a child’s background. Children usually progress through a set pattern of stages, unless a child has additi...
...ett, S. (2008) . Young children’s access to powerful mathematical ideas, in English, Lyn D (ed), Handbook of international research in mathematics education, 2nd edn, New York, NY: Routledge, pp. 75-108.
Child growth and development is a process that consists of some building blocks, which are components that combine in an infinite number of ways (Cherry, n.d.). As a result of the variations of building blocks in a child’s development, educators, psychologists, and philosophers have been constantly engaged in the debate of nature versus nurture debate. Many researchers agree that child development is a complex interaction between his/her genetic background (nature) and his/her environment (nurture). In essence, some developmental aspects are strongly affected by biology whereas other aspects are influenced by environmental factors. From the onset of an individu...
The development of children differs from individual to individual, depending on their unique temperament, leaning style, family, and upbringing. Research theorists such as Jean Piaget and Erick Erickson have endeavored to organize child development into universal, predictable sequences of growth that typically occurs in most children. In this paper I will be discussing my life story from infancy to adolescence and intergrading the theorists, domains, models that I have learned in child development classes.
Research has shown that ‘structured’ math lessons in early childhood are premature and can be detrimental to proper brain development for the young child, actually interfering with concept development (Gromicko, 2011). Children’s experiences in mathematics should reflect learning in a fun and natural way. The main focus of this essay is to show the effectiveness of applying learning theories by Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner and their relation to the active learning of basic concepts in maths. The theories represent Piaget’s Cognitivism, Vygotsky’s Social Cognitive and Bruner’s Constructivism. Based on my research and analysis, comparisons will be made to the theories presented and their overall impact on promoting mathematical capabilities in children. (ECFS 2009: Unit 5)
Allowing children to learn mathematics through all facets of development – physical, intellectual, emotional and social - will maximize their exposure to mathematical concepts and problem solving. Additionally, mathematics needs to be integrated into the entire curriculum in a coherent manner that takes into account the relationships and sequences of major mathematical ideas. The curriculum should be developmentally appropriate to the