Explain general principles of development.
Course: Introduction to Growth and Development
Course code 8610
Level: B.Ed Solved Assignment
ANSWER
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Paul Baltes' life-span
developmental framework informs our understanding of the general principles
of child development coherently (Baltes, 1997). Baltes articulated the
basic principles of life-span development which are applied as a coordinated
whole to view the nature of human development. These include the following
principles:
Development is life-long
The life-long view of development
has two aspects. First, development
extends throughout the lifespan of an individual. Second, new processes and
changes may spur throughout the constantly emerging nature of life-span
development.
Development is both multidimensional and
multidirectional
Healthy development involves
multiple dimensions and directions. This implies that development is neither
limited to a single criterion (e.g., an increase and decrease in the physical
ability), nor is it restricted to a single direction (e.g., only increase or
decrease). Rather, it involves multiple abilities which may change over time in
multiple ways.
Development involves both gains and losses
According to Baltes, any type of
developmental process comprises both, growth and decline. For example, a gain
in cognitive abilities of a child during formal schooling also characterizes a
loss of his creative abilities as a result of following the school's rules, etc.
However, the gains and losses should not be treated as equal since the balance
between these two may change over time.
Development is plastic
Baltes suggested that the process
of development is characterized by plasticity. This implies that human being is
open to changes and modifications in response to influential experiences. For
example, an infant's brain has the tendency to change, modify and/or pick up
the functions of other parts of the brain as a result of injury. Yet,
plasticity has certain limitations within various domains of human functioning.
Development is situated in context and history
Children grow up in different
contexts which are characterized by their personal, social, and environmental
circumstances. These varied circumstances influence the course of their
development. In this way, development is situated in context and history. For example,
two children growing up in rural and urban areas have different types of
influences and experiences which can result in different paths of developmental
changes for both of them. Similarly, the historical period in which
children grow affects their development in significant ways.
Development is multidisciplinary
Baltes argued that the study of
human development is multidisciplinary in nature. Therefore, a single
perspective or methodology is not sufficient to develop a holistic understanding
of the multiple processes involved in human development. For example, psychological
methodologies are not sufficient to reveal the sociological processes involved
in development. In this way, multiple perspectives and approaches are needed
to better understand the nature of human development.
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