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Humans don’t have a steady growth rate. In the first two years of life for human children the rate is fast, and then it slows for the next seven to ten years and then things speed up again. Interestingly, a child’s brain is already at 90% of its full size by age five. So many factors go into the development of children from their birth to the time that they enter adulthood. What do children inherit from their parents, biologically, culturally, socially, and how do those influences help us understand individual child development? In this course, students will explore and examine the contributions of prominent theorists and empirical research to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of child development from birth through adolescence. This foundational learning will support students as they investigate additional influences on development. Students will be asked to reflect on their own development and the factors that helped to shape their own growth. Additionally, students will read and discuss current research in psychology, neuroscience, education, and sociology as integral parts of student learning. Understanding the arc of development is essential for individuals who work in education and related fields. Knowing what to expect in typical development is imperative to providing appropriate experiences and curriculum, and facilitates positive coaching and partnering with parents and caregivers. While this class is primarily geared towards individuals who may pursue education or education-adjacent fields, it is ultimately a class intended to explore what it means to develop and grow as a human from early childhood up to adolescence. Students should expect the following experiences and assessments: rich class discussions based on readings and personal reflections, field observations, hands-on activities, assigned work, and class presentations.
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