The Developing Learner

Theme: How the learner is developing Physically, Cognitively, and Psychosocially

Outline of Concepts:

  • Foundations of Development 
  • Physical & Brain Development
  • Cognitive Development
  • Psychosocial Development

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe fundamental issues in the study of development
  • Explain Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory
  • Identify physical development issues and explain how they are relevant to teaching
  • Identify contributions from neuroscience to our understanding of learning
  • Contrast psychological versus social constructivism
  • Explain Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
  • Describe Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development
  • Explain factors that contribute to language development and differences in language skills
  • Describe Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
  • Compare and contrast self-concept and self-esteem
  • Describe Marcia’s identity statuses and the development of identity
  • Explain how moral reasoning issues become more sophisticated and gender differences in moral reasoning
  • Describe how peer interactions influence schooling
  • Explain the cognitive and social levels of play