Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Development PDF

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Human Development Types of Development Human development - the process of growing and Changing throughout life Physical development Cognitive development Socio-emotional development Physical Development physical development - the changes in size, body composition, che...

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Human Development Types of Development Human development - the process of growing and Changing throughout life Physical development Cognitive development Socio-emotional development Physical Development physical development - the changes in size, body composition, chemical make-up, and height that occur as humans develop from birth to adulthood. Gross-motor skills - involve Large muscle movements Examples: crawling, walking, and jumping. fine-motor skills - involve small muscle movements Examples: cutting with scissors, typing on a keyboard, and writing with a pen or pencil. Cognitive Development Cognitive development - the way people change and grow in how they think over the stages of life cognition - actions or processes involving thinking and knowing Language development Moral development Socio-emotional development Socio-emotional development - refers to changes in the way a person’s social relationships, feelings, social skills, self-esteem, gender identity, and ways of coping with situations change over time. Principles of Human Development Human Development Is Relatively orderly Human Development Takes Place gradually Human Development Is interrelated Human Development varies Among Individuals Human Development Is Relatively Orderly Examples: children learn their alphabet before they can read they learn to walk before they run they learn to ride a bike before driving a car Human Development Takes Place Gradually Most changes take weeks , months, or years to complete Examples: Height and growth spurts reading abilities Friendships Human Development Is Interrelated Physical , Cognitive , and socio-emotional development occur together. They are interdependent of one another. In other words, they are mutually dependent and supporting. Development in one area coincides with development in another area. Example: A young child who is behind in physical coordination is often behind in cognitive and socio-emotional development. If the same child is helped with physical coordination, cognitive and socio-emotional development are often enhanced. Maslow’s Hierarchy Explained The base level includes Physical needs to survive such as air, water, food, clothing, and shelter. The second through fourth levels include psychological needs such as security, love and acceptance, and esteem. The final level, self -actualization , is to fully realize one’s own potential. This is a lifelong process. According to Maslow, a person cannot meet these higher-level needs until first meeting the basic needs. Physical needs- air, food, water, shelter, clothing Security- Feeling safe Love and acceptance- Support, praise,assurance Esteem- need to be liked and respected Self actualization- all needs have been met to some degree. Human Development Varies Among Individuals Although development is orderly and predictable, the outcomes and rate of development vary by individual. Both hereditary and environmental influence development, and no one is exactly alike. Hereditary - traits people are born with Enviromental - all of a person’s surroundings and the people in them Key Issues in Development Nurture Vs. Nature debate - How much of who people are relates to genetics and how much relates to environment? Are there some traits that are genetic and others that are created by environment? Continuity versus discontinuity - Do changes in development occur because of the slow progression of change or do they occur as a result of something abruptly changing? Motivation - Who directs people’s growth and development? Do people direct themselves through exploration and interactions? Do others, such as parents, teachers, and friends, direct growth and development? Nature Versus Nurture Nature versus nurture debate - the debate between genetic versus environmental influences on development For most traits, other than physical characteristics such as eye and hair color, both genetics and environment play a part. Continuity Versus Discontinuity Some who study human development believe that people are essentially the same from birth to death. personalities remain intact. Although people grow and change, they essentially stay the same. Continuity - developmental changes are relatively slow, but steady Examples: People who are quick to explore the world around them remain so. Those who are hesitant around new people and experiences stay that way. Discontinuity - development happens as the result of sudden changes that occur throughout the lifespan Examples: Becoming more independent because of entering preschool, parental divorce, the death of a sibling, or a move to another city Pedagogy Versus Andragogy Pedagogy - teacher - or parent -directed method of learning Androgey - a child interacts with his or her environment very early in life, directing learning as growth and change occurs Why Study Human Development? You interact with people daily in your family , school, job , and recreation. Studying human development gives insight into what to expect of the people in your life based on their stage of development. This understanding may enhance relationships as you work with children , other teens, and adults at different stages of life. You will be better able to appreciate and relate to people at different stages of development. You will have more insight into your own life both now and in the future. Knowing more about your own stage of life may motivate you to consider choices you make that will affect your life.