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Child Development:
By reviewing Berk and Meyers (2016), child development is the; social, cognitive, physical changes and experiences from the prenatal stage (Berk & Meyers 2016, p.4). The early years is considered the most crucial period (Phillips & Shonkoff, p.3) for the child's development (Encyclopaedia on Early Childhood Development 2011). As there are issues raised, it has stimulated research conducted by professionals from various fields. Child development is now an interdisciplinary field called developmental science which aims to improve the life of children.
Plasticity vs. Stability:
An aspect of child development is plasticity vs. stability discussed in Berk and Meyers (2016). Plasticity focuses on flexibility by adapting to experiences and being subject to change (Berk & Meyers 2016, p.9). Stability is where a child continues to possess the same trait with experiences faced will future shape the child. Plasticity and stability are significant to a child’s development as it affects teaching practices. A weakness of stability is if a child has a negative experience early, it would be difficult to overcome, but a strength in plasticity is the child can develop from assistance.
Nature vs. Nurture:
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The term focuses on whether environment or genetic factors are a fundamental source of development (Berk & Meyers 2016, p.9). Nature is the information we have inherited and is responsible for development. Nurture is related to influences and environment that surrounds us from conception. ‘It's not nature versus nurture but nature through nurture’ (Kirp 2007, p.19). The study of nature and nurture is important to the field of childhood education because both work together to improve future development of the child (Encyclopaedia on Early Childhood Development
Experts have devised a standard pattern of development for a healthy child in ideal conditions. But it is not possible that every child is born fit and gets the deserved conditions. Nature and nurture both equally contribute to the development of a child. Deficiencies in nurturing and/or abnormalities of nature may cause development not to follow the expected pattern. Natural factors are mainly personal, physical, emotional, etc. while nurturing is contributed by family, environment, culture, expectation, exposure, etc.
“The term “nature versus nurture” is used to refer to a long-running scientific debate. The source of debate is the question of which has a greater influence on development: someone's innate characteristics provided by genetics, or someone's environment. In fact, the nature versus nurture debate has been largely termed obsolete by many researchers, because both innate characteristics and environment play a huge role in development, and they often intersect”. (Smith, 2010 p. 1)
Bronfenbrenner theorised that there are many different influences that affect a child’s development, forming 5 systems to categorise certain events, or environments into. This theory helps me to understand the theme of Nature Vs Nurture, as it gives some context as to what environments can affect a child's development. From this, we can work out solutions for each child's situation, to ensure that their development is still progressing.
A child is born in to a fast paced world. The child is influenced in every way, in every place, by every person they come in contact with. From the ages 1-5 the child is like a sponge, taking in all their brain can hold. Forming what will become, who they are as an adult. A main factor in this process is nature and nurture. Nature referring to the genes he/she inherited from the parents, shapes what the child will look like, if they will have diseases, if the child will be a boy or a girl, and much more. Nurture referring to the social, economic, surroundings, and culture. This shapes the child in personality, beliefs, and actions. Nature and Nurture are very important to the development of a child. If the child was to lack one or even part of one, he/she would be deprived of developing normally.
On the other side of the argument, the nurture proponents are certain that the environment in which we are raised holds far greater sway with the people we become. This argument can even be traced back to biblica...
In the model I developed for child development there are three main groups: physical, mental, and social. Within these three groups are subcategories, many including ideas from various theorists, that I will use to support my system of child development. Throughout this paper, I will use ideas, definitions, and examples from the theorists I have chosen and from my own experience.
Who we are is directly related to our environment that we are nurtured around. Our development is essential to who we are as adults and will be the very fabric connected to how, what and why we act and think the way we do. I’ve decided to talk about early childhood development, which plays the most crucial part in the foundation of who we will be. At this stage we are sponges soaking up this new world we are now apart of. I will discuss physical development, cognitive development and psychosocial development pertains to early childhood development.
Let's start with an overview of nature vs. nurture. Nature: things like genetics and abilities. Nurture: outside influences, early childhood, relationships, and culture. Both of these are very important aspects of human development, but which one is more important? Well, depending on who you ask, it would result in a different answer.
In attempt to understand individuals, psychologists debate whether nature or nurture accounts for human abilities and capacities. The term “nature” refers to the characteristics and abilities that derive from genetics, such as eye color. The term “nurture” indicates the abilities and capacities we acquire from society and the environment around us – the things we learn. Both nature and nurture influence how humans behave and function. Determining where the qualities and characteristics derive from will help us understand and assist the subject we desire to learn about.
I believe that a child’s growth is developmental, and each child needs a secure caring and motivating atmosphere in which to grow and developed emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I believe nature and nurture are the two aspects that influence in child development. Nature and nurture are different in several ways, but they both play an important role in child development. I believe that the environment that a person grows up in has the most influence on child development because children reflect what they are taught and what they learn from the people around them.
Child Development is a well organised and user friendly pedagogical book. Santrock says, “This book is about children’s development – its universal features, its individual variations, its nature at the beginning of the twenty-first century.”
McDevitt, T and Ormrod, J (2010) Nature and Nurture, Education.com [online] Available from www.education.com Accessed on 4th April 2014
In the developing stages of a child, psychological factors play a huge role in th...
A child's development affects how they learn. All children don't fit the norms of development but not all children should be looked down on because of this. The development of the body and mind leads to the development of skills a child learns in life. Teachers need to help the child expand their skills and the knowledge to do the skills well.
“Nature refers to the genes we receive from our parents that influence our development” and “nurture refers to the wide range of environments, both physical and social, that influence our development.”