Childhood & Growing Up - Educational Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies how learning and development occur in educational settings.

The stages of human development describe the predictable changes people undergo from conception to death. These changes are influenced by biological, cognitive, and social factors.

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, emotional, and social changes where individuals experience heightened stress, emotional turmoil, and identity formation.

The process of learning social norms, values, and behaviors through interactions with others. This includes understanding roles, expectations, and social rules.

Principles of growth and development describe predictable patterns of change, including the principle of continuity (gradual changes), individual differences (unique growth paths), interaction (environment's impact), and reciprocal relationship (influences from individual and environment).

A longitudinal study tracks the same group of individuals over time, observing changes in their behavior or development. It provides insights into how individuals change over their lifespan. A cross-sectional method studies different age groups at the same time to compare them. It offers a snapshot of differences between age groups.

Over-age learners are students who start school later than the usual age for their grade level. They may face challenges due to their previous experiences and learning gaps, but teachers can provide differentiated instruction to address their needs.

Piaget's theory suggests that children's cognitive development progresses through four stages: sensorimotor (birth-2 years), preoperational (2-7 years), concrete operational (7-11 years), and formal operational (11+ years). Each stage is characterized by different cognitive abilities.

Factors influencing development are divided into two categories: heredity (inherited traits) and environment (influences from surroundings). Examples include genes, family, culture, socioeconomic status, and personal experiences.

Development is multidimensional because it involves changes in multiple areas, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. It is also plural, meaning it is influenced by different factors and unfolds uniquely for each individual.

Maturity refers to the development of our emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ability to regulate emotions. It is crucial for navigating social interactions, building healthy relationships, and developing resilience in the face of challenges.

Gender roles refer to the societal expectations and behaviors assigned to males and females based on their biological sex. These roles often dictate how they should act, dress, and engage in society. It is important to challenge rigid gender roles and promote gender equality.

Freud's psychosexual stages of development consist of five stages: Oral (birth-18 months), Anal (18 months-3 years), Phallic (3-6 years), Latency (6-puberty), and Genital (puberty onwards). Each stage emphasizes different aspects of pleasure and psychological development.

Heredity refers to the transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genes. Mendelian laws of inheritance, Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants, and modern research on genetics reveal the complexities of hereditary patterns.

Interview types are used to gather information from individuals and can be structured (formal questions), unstructured (open-ended), semi-structured (combination of both), or focus group interviews. Each type has advantages and disadvantages for different research situations.

The case study method is often used to study specific individuals or small groups in depth to understand their unique experiences or development. It provides rich, detailed information, making it suitable for students with diverse needs or specific challenges.

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development proposes eight stages across the lifespan, each with its own psychosocial crisis. From trust vs. mistrust in infancy to ego integrity vs. despair in late adulthood, individuals must resolve these crises to develop a healthy identity.

Bowlby's attachment theory highlights the importance of early childhood attachments for later development. Secure attachment (responsive caregiving) is essential for social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Insecure attachment (inconsistent caregiving) may lead to difficulties in relationships and mental health.

School culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that define a school community. This includes student-teacher interactions, rules, rituals, and traditions. It significantly influences learning and socialization.

Teachers play a crucial role in preventing and addressing aggression by modeling positive behavior, promoting empathy and social skills, creating a supportive classroom environment, and applying effective classroom management strategies.

The observation method involves systematic observation of behavior in natural settings to gather qualitative or quantitative data. It allows researchers to observe behavior in real-time and understand context.

The biographical method involves collecting and analyzing information about an individual's life, including their experiences, relationships, and influences. This method helps understand development from a historical perspective.

The narrative method relies on storytelling to understand experiences, perspectives, and meaning-making. It involves collecting and analyzing stories that individuals tell about their lives.

A reflective journal is a personal tool used by individuals to document their thoughts, experiences, and learning. It promotes self-awareness, critical thinking and can enhance personal growth.

The clinical method involves using interviews, observation, and other techniques to uncover underlying psychological processes and patterns in individuals. It is often used in therapy and research.