Child Development By John W Santrock

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Child Development by John W Santrock 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.” John Santrock’s Child Development is probably the most up to date, well researched and therefore the most accurate book in its field. Now in its fourteenth edition it has certainly stood the test of time considering it was first published in 1978. This topically organised text presents a wealth of information that is applicable and adaptable and is uncomplicated to read and understand. Eloquently written and logically presented it covers all aspects of child development …show more content…

Therefore giving a very balanced view on the subject. It starts out with a thorough foundation on the science of child development, looking at the theories and the psychologists behind them. Figure 2.12 offers an at a glance comparison table of all five types of theories – their methodologies and problems. The opening story in this chapter about the lives of Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget highlights how an individual’s experiences impact on the path they will take in life, a pertinent point to make at the outset of this book. Research methods and their descriptions tie suitably into the theories they might be used for. Sections two and three are an engaging and sometimes surprising look at the numerous ways in which we develop and …show more content…

Each chapter begins with a real life story as a lead in to the focus that is to be discussed. Readers will find the story of the Jim and Jim twins especially enthralling. Pictures, diagrams, charts and summary tables are extremely helpful visual illustrations and allow the reader to further consider and indeed consolidate the information being relayed. There is a mini glossary of terms incorporated into the main text pages as well a comprehensive glossary at the close of the book, again giving the opportunity to fully assimilate the vocabulary used. “Through the minds of psychologists”, with a quote from and photograph of a leading psychologist and “Adventures for the mind”, an aid to analytical thinking, are both interesting features in each chapter that add to the learning this book has to offer. While “Explorations in child development”, investigates treatments, programmes and information that enhance life for children. The section on Dr Tiffany Field’s research into the capacity of massage to improve the development of preterm and at risk babies is a fascinating read. A “cognitive map” at the beginning and end of each chapter showing an overview are an effective way to grasp what the chapter is about and to review it at the finish (with cross linkage to summary tables). Each chapter concludes with a section including key terms, key people, resources available

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