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CDLT6211 Mo
CDLT6211 Mo
Child Development
CDLT6211
MODULE OUTLINE 2022
(First Edition: 2018)
This guide enjoys copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the Copyright Act, no 98 of
1978, no part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any other information storage
and retrieval system without permission in writing from the proprietor.
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Using this Module Outline ..................................................................................................................... 4
This Module on Learn ............................................................................................................................. 5
Icons Used in this Document and on Learn ......................................................................................... 6
Module Resources ................................................................................................................................... 7
Module Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Module Outcomes ................................................................................................................................... 8
Assessments ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Module Pacer ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Glossary of Key Terms for this Module .............................................................................................. 27
Introduction
In this module, the aims are to provide an introduction to the field of developmental psychology.
The module is designed to prepare students who will work with young children in the home,
school, or other professional settings.
Human development is a continuous process that takes place throughout the human life cycle.
In this module, we will study the complex process of changes and establishment of skills that are
mastered, as the individual journeys from conception through to adolescence. We will explore a
variety of research studies and the key theorists who have attempted to explain how the child
moves from complete dependence upon their parents: biologically, cognitively, emotionally and
socially; to a stage of interdependence as the child begins to explore the socio-cultural world
and finally; to a stage of more independence in which adolescents begins to express themselves
as unique individuals preparing to meet the demands and challenges of the adult world.
We will begin our learning with a definition of child development and then progress to how
research is conducted in the field. We will then meet the key theorists who have studied and
researched children in the 20th and 21st century: Freud, Erikson, Pavlov, Skinner, Watson, Piaget
Vygotsky and Bronfenbrenner. These theories will introduce us to the four major approaches to
child development: psychodynamic, biological, behaviourist and cognitive development. Next,
we will explore the development of the child across five stages: prenatal, infancy, early childhood,
middle childhood and adolescence. We will gain an in-depth understanding of the sequences,
stages and processes that govern the appearance and maturation of children’s biological
structures, psychological traits, language skills, cognitive processing and social behaviour as they
adapt to their socio-cultural contexts.
The module will briefly introduce you to the optimistic and more recent research work of
cognitive psychologist Dr Reuven Feuerstein. We will conclude by looking at the importance of
career development learning for children in the South African setting and consider some of the
challenges and health hazards that may impede and hamper the optimal development for all
children in our country, South Africa.
Our hope is that the module will inspire you to use the knowledge gained by not only improving
the quality of your interactions with the children and school learners you come into contact with,
but that you will gain insight into your own personal childhood development path and that the
module will perhaps even prepare you for the journey with your own children that you might
parent one day.
• This document does not reflect all the content on Learn, the links to different resources,
nor the specific instructions for the group and individual activities.
• Your lecturer will decide when activities are available/open for submission and when these
submissions or contributions are due. Ensure that you take note of announcements made
during lectures and/or posted within Learn in this regard.
• An assessment brief;
• A list of prescribed material;
• A variety of additional online resources (articles, videos, audio, interactive graphics, etc.)
in each learning unit that will further help to explain theoretical concepts;
• Critical questions to guide you through the module’s objectives;
• Collaborative and individual activities (all of which are gradable) with time-on-task
estimates to assist you in managing your time around these;
• Revision questions, or references to revision questions, after each learning unit.
Kindly note:
• Unless you are completing this as a distance module, Learn does not replace your
contact time with your lecturers and/or tutors.
• CDLT6211 is a Learn module, and as such, you are required to engage extensively
with the content on the Learn platform. Effective use of this tool will provide you
with opportunities to discuss, debate, and consolidate your understanding of the
content presented in this module.
• You are expected to work through the learning units on Learn in your own time –
especially before class. Any contact sessions will therefore be used to raise and
address any questions or interesting points with your lecturer, and not to cover every
aspect of this module.
• Your lecturer will communicate submission dates for specific activities in class and/or
on Learn.
Icon Description
Module Resources
Prescribed Material (PM) for Hardman, J. 2016. Child and adolescent development: A
this Module South African Socio-Cultural Perspective. 2nd ed. Cape Town:
Oxford University Press Southern Africa.
ISBN:978 019 9048809
Recommended Readings, Please note that several additional resources and links to
Digital, and Web Resources resources are provided throughout this module on the
Learn platform. You are encouraged to engage with these as
they will assist you in mastering the various objectives of
this module. They may also be useful resources for
completing any assignments. You will not, however, be
assessed under examination conditions on any additional or
recommended reading material.
Module Purpose
The purpose of this module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of
theories, principles and practices relating to child development, learning and motivation and
how to apply this information to classroom teaching, with a focus on early childhood
through to adolescence.
Module Outcomes
MO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning theories.
Discuss relevant concepts, processes and issues in the development of learning in
MO2
children.
Evaluate developmental characteristics and theories of development from birth
MO3
to adolescence.
Apply different teaching and learning theories to specific contexts in the
MO4
classroom.
Assessments
Integrated Curriculum Engagement (ICE)
Minimum number of ICE activities to complete 4
Weighting towards the final module mark 10%
Module Pacer
Code Programme Contact Sessions Credits
CDLT6211 BEF2; BEI2 36 contact + 4 learn 12
Learning Unit 1 An Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Overview:
This learning unit introduces you to the field of developmental psychology. Some of the
debates central to developmental psychology will be highlighted: nature vs nurture;
universality vs socio-cultural context; continuity vs discontinuity; plasticity: sensitive vs
critical periods and rationalism vs empiricism.
We also consider the importance of having knowledge and understanding in the field of child
development and discuss the history of ideas that inform the different developmental
schools, focussing on innate capacity versus tabula rasa. The learning unit concludes with the
various types of research design used in the field of child development.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend six sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please also ensure that you complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to empiricism vs rationalism,
so ensure that you are familiar with the history and the different approach of each school of
thought towards developmental psychology.
Overview:
In this learning unit, we explore the four key approaches to developmental psychology and
the key theories that form the foundation of child development namely the Biological,
Psychodynamic (Freud and Erikson). Behaviourist (Pavlov, Watson and Skinner), Cognitive
(Piaget) and Socio-cultural approach (Vygotsky and Bronfenbrenner).
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend six sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding the four
theoretical approaches, as such it is imperative that you study these in detail and ensure that
you are able to distinguish between them.
Overview:
This learning unit provides a broad overview of prenatal development. Foetal behavioural
states, as well as the sensory development of the foetus through the prenatal
developmental period is discussed as well as reflex responses. Threats to a healthy
pregnancy are explored in terms of environmental and teratogenic factors and their specific
health risks to the foetus.
Note: Since you have been introduced to some of the core concepts in previous modules
(PSYC5111/ PSYC5112) this learning unit will not necessarily cover all aspects within this
chapter. However, it might be a good idea to at least read through the whole chapter to
refresh your memory.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend four sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
We do not expect that you would find any information particularly challenging in this
learning unit. However, it is important that you carefully go through the section indicated
and that you are able to meet the objectives in this learning unit.
Overview:
This learning unit focusses on the development that occurs during infancy. We explore
Piaget’s sensorimotor cognitive stage of development, as well as early memory and the role
of parents in infant cognitive development. The development of language in the infant is
discussed and then the reciprocal engagement between child and caregiver is highlighted as
essential for both optimal cognitive and psychosocial functioning.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend six sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The major challenges of studying this stage of development is the speed at which
development occurs, particularly during the first two years after birth. As such, keep careful
track of how the infant’s body and mind developments and grows during this period.
Overview:
This learning unit explores the cognitive and moral development of children between the
ages of two and eight years. We highlight the importance of play in cognitive development
and the importance of children mastering the ability to self-regulate. We investigate
symbolic functioning as we explore Piaget’s pre-operational thought stage, followed by an
explanation of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development and the child’s capability for moral
reasoning and empathic expression. Finally, we consider how teachers could increase
empathy in the child during the early childhood development stage.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend five sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding early
childhood and the issues facing development in this developmental period. The core
development theorists are focussed on to enable you to understand. As such, make sure you
know and understand the theories.
Overview:
This learning unit explores the cognitive development in the middle childhood years
(approximately 7 – 11 years of age). Firstly, we will look at the concrete operational skills.
Next, we explore the changes that occur in memory during this age as well as other cognitive
skills. We will also look at the important role that the correct school has on cognitive
development. Thereafter, we focus on the negative impact of bullying and consider some
steps that we can take to prevent bullying of children. Lastly, we examine the impact of
family structure, siblings, peers and friends in establishing a sense of ‘self’ and self-esteem.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend five sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1 to 5 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding how new
contexts of development stimulate cognitive and social development further together with
its influence on how children think about themselves.
Overview:
This learning unit begins by outlining the final stage of Piaget’s cognitive development
stages. We consider the influence of school, parents, family and peers, explore the different
types of friendship and relationships that the adolescent establishes during this time and the
impact of such relationships on their self-esteem. We also explore Selman’s Social
Perspective theory as an alternative way to consider moral development. Finally, we discuss
Marcia’s theory of Identity Formation which provides more detail on the challenges that the
adolescent faces in attempting to establish their identity and sense of ‘self’ in the world.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend four sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1 to 5 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to the cognitive development
of the adolescent. Make sure you understand the cognitive development theories in detail.
Overview:
This learning unit focuses on the health barriers that could impede optimal cognitive and
scholastic development in primary and high school children in the South African context. We
also consider factors related to gender that might impact cognitive and scholastic
development in the South African context.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend four sessions on this learning unit.
Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding the affect a
problem in one area of development may have on the functioning of other domains,
ultimately affecting the child in his or her entirety.