The Human Development
- It is a pattern of movement or change that begins at a conception and continues through the life span.
- Development includes growth and decline. This means that the development can be positive or
negative. (Santrock, 2002)
Major Principles of Human Development
1. Development is relatively orderly
A. Proximodistal Pattern- the muscular control of the trunk and the arms comes earlier as compared to
the hands and fingers.
B. Cephalo-caudal Pattern
- During infancy, the growth occur from top to the head with physical growth in size, gradually working
its way from top to bottom.
2. While the pattern of the development is likely similar, the outcomes of development processes and
the rate of development are likelt to vary among individuals.
3. Development takes place gradually.
4. Development as a process is complex because it is the product of biologocal, cognitive and
socioemotionsl processes. (Santrock, 2002)
Biological Process involves changes in individual's physical nature.
Cognitive Process involves changes in thoughts, intelligence, and language.
Socio-emotional Process includes relationships with other people, changes in emotions and personality.
Approaches of Human Development
Traditional Approach - extensive change from birth to adolescence, little or no change from birth to
adolescence, little or no changr in adulthood and decline in old age.
Life Span Approach
1. Development is life-long.
2. Development is multidimensional.
3. Development is plastic.
4. Development is contextual.
5. Development involves growth, maintenance, and regulation.
The Stages of Human Development and Developmental Tasks
Prenatal
- This involves tremendous growth
- The process before birth
3 phases of prenatal development
Germinal stage- First 2 weeks
Embryonic stage- 2 weeks to 2 months
Fetal stage- 2 months to birth
Infancy (birth to 2 years old)
- Extremely depends on adults
1 year old
- Change from plump baby to learner toddler
- Determined exflorer
2 years old
- Begins to communicate verbally
Early Childhood (3 to 5 years old)
3 years old- Vocabulary and pronunciation continue to expand
4 years old- Sentences are more complex
- Imagination is vivid
- Develop fears
5 years old - Begins to socialize with other children at their age
- May begin to read
Middle & Late Childhood (6 - 12 years old)
- Large and small muscles well-develop
- Develop complex motor skills
Adolescence (12-18 years old)
- Puberty occurs
- Extremely concern with appearance
- Trying to establish self identity
Early Adulthood/ Young adult (19-29 years old)
- Emotional maturation continues to develop & physical development complete
Middle Adulthood/ Middle Age (30-60 years old)
- Physical changes begin to occur
Late Adulthood ( 61 years and above)
- Usually had memory problems
- Might experience physical deterioration
Growth and development exist in a particular pattern. This pattern is a series of interaction over time.
All individuals pass through this sequence of change.
Factors Affecting Development And Growth
Maternal Nutrition. The nutritional status of the woman during adolescence, pregnancy and lactation
has a direct impact on child's health and development.
Child Nutrition. The child's state of nutritional balance is crucial in his early developmental stage.
Early Sensory Stimulation. Toys, soothing sounds and other sensorial stimulation contribute to the
child's development.
Genetic History. The child's genetic history influences to a large extent of his growth.
Medical Conditions. Children born with or develop serious medical conditions can have stunted growth
if not treated.
Emotional Well-being. Children must be nurture with love, patience, and understanding.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT
Phylogenetic Principle- states that development follows an orderly sequence which is predictable and is
true to all members of a certain race.
Ontogenetic Principle -the rate of development is unique to every individual. It is brought about by
one's heredity as well a environmental influences.
3 types of Issues on Human Development
1. Nature vs. Nurture
Nature – Human growth is shaped by heredity and genetics.
Nurture – Human growth is shaped by environment and experiences.
2. Continuity vs. Discontinuity
Continuity – Development is a slow and steady process.
Discontinuity – Development happens in separate stages or steps.
3. Stability vs. Change
Stability – Personality and traits stay the same over time.
Change – Personality and traits can change as a person grows.
Teachers as Consumer/End Users of Research
–Research enables teachers to come up with informed decision on what to teach and how to teach.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
•Identify and define the problem
•Determine the hyphothesis
•Collect and analyze data
•Formulate conclusions
•Apply conclusions to the original hypothesis
Research Design
- Researchers that are done with high level of quality and integrity provide us with valuable information
about child and adulescent development.
Case Study -An in-depth look at an individual.
Correlational Study -A research design that determines association.
Experimental -Determines cause-and-effect relationships.
Naturalistic Observation - Focuses on children's experience in natural settings.
Longitudinal - Studies and follows through a single group over a period of time
Cross-sectional - Individuals of different ages are compared at one time.
Sequental Study -This is the combined cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to learn about
lifespan development.
DATA GATHERING TECHNIQUES
•Observation
•Physiological measures
•Standardized Test
•Interview and questionnaires
•Life History Records
