Course Contents

UNIT 1: Introduction to child development (2 weeks/6 hours) Unit 1 gives an overview of the course and the key models, theorists, and debates in child development. Child development is presented as a holistic process. Week # Topics/themes 1 Overview of growth and development Psychosocial models Behaviourism and socio-cultural models 2 Cognitive models Factors that affect the child: Key issues and controversies Approaches to classroom development Early childhood development (2 weeks/6 hours) Unit 2 examines the first three stages of child development: infant, toddler, and preschool. It focuses on knowledge essential for primary and middle school teachers about how children grow and how to apply this knowledge to inform teaching practice in children’s later years. Week # Topics/themes 3 Unit introduction: Infant development The three domains of toddler development Developmentally appropriate practices for toddlers 4 The three domains of preschool child development Developmentally appropriate practices for preschool child development Unit review 1 2 ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN EDUCATION/B.ED (HONS) ELEMENTARY 12 Unit 3: Primary school-age child development (3 weeks/9 hours) Unit 3 explores the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of elementary school-age children (6–12 years old). Emphasis is placed on understanding the whole child. Student Teachers will analyse stages of development during this critical period of growth. They will have opportunities to consider how early childhood development can inform their study of primary child development. Week # Topics/themes 5 Introduction to primary school-age child development Aspects of physical development Encouraging healthy physical development 6 Cognitive development: Overview and Piaget’s concrete operational theory Cognitive development: Industriousness and intelligences Emotional development 7 Social development: Changes and parental roles Social development: Peer interaction, friendship, and growth Utilizing play in the classroom 8 Teacher’s influence on student motivation and unit conclusion Unit 4: Adolescence and development (3 weeks/9 hours) Unit 4 explores the complex changes children undergo as they reach adolescence. The impact these changes have upon adolescent cognitive development, social development, and behaviours such as motivation and identity formation is examined. Critiques of adolescent developmental theory are considered. Week # Topics/themes 8 Introduction and overview of physical development Social and emotional development I: Erikson and development of self-identity 9 Social and emotional development II: The adolescent peer group Social and emotional development III: Motivation and self-regulation Cognitive and linguistic development I: Piaget 10 Cognitive and linguistic development II: Vygotsky Cognitive and individual differences Conclusion and review 3 4 13 COURSE SYLLABUS: Child Development UNIT 5: Differences in classrooms: Developmental variation and specia needs (3 weeks/9 hours) Unit 5 focuses on learning differences. The role of the school and Instructor in managing and accommodating learning differences in classroom practice is considered. Perspectives on national educational policy in Pakistan on accommodating diverse developmental needs are explored. Week # Topics/themes 11 Differences in student learning and performance strengths Child development review I Child development review II 12 Recognizing disability and learning disorders I: Emotional and behavioural Recognizing disability and learning disorders II: Language, physical, and sensory Cognitive differences: Delays and giftedness 13 Addressing special needs in the classroom: Differentiated instruction School resources and support services for special-needs students Reflection and review UNIT 6: Teachers, family, schools, and society (3 weeks/9 hours) Unit 6 investigates how families, society, schools, and teachers influence child development. Student Teachers will reflect on major concepts of child development and their implications for teaching and learning. The role of the teacher will be considered. Week # Topics/themes 14 The role of the nuclear and extended family Role of community, culture, and society within families Role of culture and society: Gender balance 15 Role of culture and society: Influence of media Role of school, peers, and teachers Teachers’ influence on child development 16 Schools, families, and communities as partners in child development Unit review Course reflection and review

Course Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, Student Teachers will be able to: • describe major theories and themes about how children develop • compare the characteristics of various developmental stages according to different theorists • identify factors influencing the learning process • design age-appropriate teaching methods based on developmental theory • identify individual differences of students and children with special needs • reflect on their conceptions about child development and its implications for teaching and learning.