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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...werful mathematical ideas and developmental learning outcomes in early childhood mathematics. In P. Grootenboer, R. Zevenbergen, & M. Chinnappan (Eds), Identities, cultures and learning spaces (pp. 408-415). Sydney: Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. Accessed on 18 March 2014 at: http://www.merga.net.au/documents/RP462006.pdf
Roy D. (2011), The birth of a word [video broadcast], March 2011, TED Talks, accessed on 25 April 2014 at: http://www.ted.com/talks/deb_roy_the_birth_of_a_word
Thelan E. & Smith L. (2006) Dynamic Systems Theories. In W. Damon & R. Lerner (Eds), Handbook of Child Psychology, Vol. 1: Theoretical Models of Human Development, 6th Edition (pp.258 – 312), New York: Wiley.
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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.
Neuroplasticity is the term given to the physical changes occurring in the brain over one’s lifetime. In the past, it was believed that the brain stayed the same size and shape all one’s life, but now that modern technology has given us the ability to view the brain visually and observe its changes, we have seen evidence of the brain’s natural ability to change its shape, structure and density. Neuroplasticity occurs in small scales over time, but can also change in response to injury, behaviour, environmental stimuli, thought, and emotions. This is significant in relation to learning, memory, development, and recovery from brain damage (Pascual-Leone et al, 2005). Neuroplasticity occurs when new
In the model I developed for child development there are three main groups: physical, mental, and social. Within these three groups are subcategories, many including ideas from various theorists, that I will use to support my system of child development. Throughout this paper, I will use ideas, definitions, and examples from the theorists I have chosen and from my own experience.
Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget are the two most influential developmental psychologists in history so one might think they would have very similar theories but this could not be more wrong. Piaget (1896-1980) Piaget 's theory stems from the idea that children develop in mostly solitary and are unable to see others perspective and progress through four stages of development(book). A major challenge to Piaget’s theory is Lev Vygotsky’s (1896-1934) sociohoristic theory which suggests that children acquire the tools of thinking and learning through social interacrtion with family and peers (seans book). Both of these psychologists’ theories are very similar in a number of ways but have a few crucial differences which separate them. (BOOK)
Smith, P., Cowie, H. and Blades, M. (2003). Understanding children’s development (4th ed.). UK: Blackwell Publishing.
With time and sufficient environmental exploration, regions become specialised and differentiated through the process of activity-dependent specialization, whereby-they interact and compete to acquire specialised computational abilities. Specialisation allows for faster and more efficient information processing and has been attributed to age and myelinisation, a process which allows nerve impulses to travel throughout the brain more quickly and efficiently, increasing integration of brain activity and supporting-efficient cognitive maturation. The general principle of structural brain development states areas related to simple functions reach full maturation faster than those supporting high-order complex-functions. Faster processing speed and lower mental effort via myelination enable automatic processing which is beneficial but only for older-children and adults who have mastered a particular behavioural or cognitive ability. In contrast, prolonged plasticity supports efficient cognitive development in young-children in two ways. Firstly, studies of adopted children with past experiences of maltreatment have shown that adoptees largely outperformed their peers left behind on cognitive tasks, provided being adopted at an early age (before 12 months of age). The fact-that adoption can be an effective intervention enabling significant cognitive catch-up demonstrates the benefits of plasticity during development (van Ijzendoorn & Juffer, 2006). Secondly, in the context of childhood learning, prolonged plasticity is considered beneficial, facilitating adaptive change and learning in response to environmental stimuli via formation of new neural connections (Anderson, 2011). Although time-consuming, effortful and non-automatic, non-differentiated learning protects children from premature acquisition of
As a developmental psychologist, it is imperative as a professional to provide specific guidelines for the healthy development of infants, children, and adults as they encounter the four main stages of life. These four phases, beginning with pregnancy and birth, leading to infancy and childhood, adolescence, and ending with adulthood, will be discussed in correlation with specific strategies suggested for maintaining a standard rate of growth in an individual as it relates to each particular stage.
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.
Child psychology, also known as child development, is the study of psychological growth of children; how these mechanisms develop from infancy to adolescence and why they deviate from one child to the next. Child development is associated with biological, psychological, and emotional diversity that occur in humans. Although there is a different advancement for each child, these developmental changes may be greatly determined by genetic factors and experience during prenatal life. The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.
...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.
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...
In the developing stages of a child, psychological factors play a huge role in th...
Wood, A. E., Wood, E. G., & Boyd, D. (2007). Child development: The world of psychology.
I believe that learning mathematics in the early childhood environment encourages and promotes yet another perspective for children to establish and build upon their developing views and ideals about the world. Despite this belief, prior to undertaking this topic, I had very little understanding of how to recognise and encourage mathematical activities to children less than four years, aside from ‘basic’ number sense (such as counting) and spatial sense (like displaying knowledge of 2-D shapes) (MacMillan 2002). Despite enjoying mathematical activities during my early years at a Montessori primary school, like the participants within Holm & Kajander’s (2012) study, I have since developed a rather apprehensive attitude towards mathematics, and consequently, feel concerned about encouraging and implementing adequate mathematical learning experiences to children within the early childhood environment.
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)