This course will explore aspects of physical, personal and social development from birth to emerging adulthood. Specifically, it will examine biological and environmental factors which influence physical development (e.g. hormones, heredity, nutrition); and the child's emotional and social development (including understanding of self and moral development, and how these are influenced by specific cultural, family, economic and environmental factors).

2 hours lecture each week

1-hour seminar each week

None

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■ Essay on Applying Developmental and Learning Theories (50%) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5): Students will write an essay (1,500 words) to reflect on a personal learning experience through the lens of developmental and learning theories. Seminars will support assignment development through group discussions and instructor feedback.

■ Literature Review Assignment (50%) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5): This literature review (1,500 words) requires students to explore an aspect of child development and learning, with a focus on developmental and learning theories. Each review will be framed around a specific research question, which students will have opportunities to refine throughout the course.

1) To critically examine a range of theories of child development;

2) To examine stages of cognitive, emotional and social development between birth and emerging adulthood;

3) To assess the social, political and cultural influences upon the cognitive, emotional and social processes of child development;

4) To critically examine how a range of child developmental theories relate to cognitive, emotional and social development

5) To critically examine how a range of child developmental theories relate to and impact on effective pedagogy in primary schools;

6) To cultivate the ability to connect theoretical studies of child development with both the learning needs of children and the professional requirements and responsibilities of a primary school practitioner.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1) identify and critically analyse a range of theories which influence the cognitive, emotional and social processes of child development;

2) explain the stages of cognitive, emotional and social development between birth and emerging adulthood;

3) explain and critically assess how cognitive, emotional and social development is affected by social, political and cultural influences;

4) critically apply child developmental theories of cognitive, emotional and social development to effective pedagogy in primary schools;

5) connect theoretical studies of child development with both the learning needs of children and the professional requirements and responsibilities of a primary school practitioner.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment.