EDUC 101

THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT LEARNERS

AND LEARNING PRINCIPLES

VIVERLY E. MATA, PhD

Bulacan Agricultural State College

Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan
 Students’ Guide
THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT LEARNES AND LEARNING PRINCIPLES

Course Description

The course The Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles focuses
on child and adolescent development with emphasis on current research and theory on
biological, linguistic, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions of development.
Further, this includes factors that affect the progress of development of the learners and
the appropriate pedagogical principles applicable for each developmental level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Demonstrate knowledge of the different theories and principles of child and

adolescent development

Provide effective and culturally sensitive concepts on issues regarding child and
adolescent as learners
 INTRODUCTION

The children and adolescents that composed a classroom are the learners with
unique learning preferences, interests, strengths, needs and potential. Hence, the study of
growth and development of humans is an essential endeavour that an educator needs to
know and understand.

The 21st century learners have different learning preferences and needs which
teachers must recognize to be able to prepare the learning materials as well as the
favorable learning environment suited for them.

The Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles is a book which gives
orientation to education students on current researches and theories on biological,
linguistic, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions of development. Further, this
includes factors that affect the progress of development of the learners and the
appropriate pedagogical principles applicable for each developmental level.
 Module 1
BASIC CONCEPTS ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Learning Outcomes:

a. explain the definition of human growth and development; and

b. describe each stage of human growth.

Introduction

Human growth and development is a complex process, so learning more about

how a child grows physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively is very important
because it can lead to a deeper understanding of human of all ages.

Having some background knowledge of how people grow and change throughout
life can be helpful for anyone especially to educators because this development of young
children has a direct effect on their overall performance in school.

Understanding of development patterns helps teachers and parents as well in

guiding the child’s learning properly. Providing learning opportunities at the appropriate
time would help in the normal development of the child.

Human Growth, Development and Maturation Defined

In the perspective of the physical development of children, growth refers to the

increase in the size of a child, and development refers to the process by which the child
develops his or her psychomotor skills.

Maturation is the process of reaching a stage of full or advanced development.

 Child and adolescent development refers to the process of growth and

maturation of the human individual from conception to adulthood.

Description

Growth

There are five areas of human development:

1. Physical development: the changes in size, shape, and physical maturity of the
body, including physical abilities and coordination.
 2. Intellectual development: the learning and use of language; the ability to
reason, problem-solve, and organize ideas; it is related to the physical growth of the
brain.

3. Social development: the process of gaining the knowledge and skills needed to
interact successfully with others.

4. Emotional development: feelings and emotional responses to events; changes in

understanding one's own feelings and appropriate forms of expressing them.

5. Moral development: the growing understanding of right and wrong, and the
change in behavior caused by that understanding; sometimes called a conscience.

Stages of Human Development

1.Prenatal Period: The stage before taking birth

2. Infancy: BIRTH TO ONE (1) Year
3. Baby Hood
4. Early Childhood: 1-6 years
5. Late childhood: 6-12 years
6. Puberty or preadolescence
7. Adolescence: 12-18 years
8. Early Adulthood: 19-40 Year
9. Middle Adulthood: 40-65 Years
10. Old age: After 65 Years

1. PRENATAL PERIOD
The developments from conception till birth of a baby constitute the prenatal
stage. The approximate period of prenatal development is taken to be 9 calendar months
or 10 lunar months (i.e., 280 days), although babies are not born exactly after 280 days of
conception. Biologically it takes about 266 days from conception for a fetus to become
ready for the birth process. Actual birth of normal full term baby may take place any time
after that.

Prenatal stage is further divided into three phases.

a. The first phase - the germinal period – is the period from conception until implantation.
Conception occurs when a sperm penetrates the wall of a ripened ovum forming a zygote.
In about 8-14 days, the zygote gets firmly attached to the wall of the mother’s uterus.
This is called implantation which brings the germinal period to end.

b. The second phase of prenatal development is the period of the embryo which lasts
from the beginning of the third week to the end of the eighth week. During this time all
major organs are formed and the heart begins to beat.
c. The third phase is the period of the fetus. It lasts from the third prenatal month until the
baby is born. The major organ systems begin to function and the growth of the organism
is quite rapid.

2. INFANCY – BIRTH TO 1 YEAR

The term "infant" is typically applied to young children under one year of age.

Physical : The most dramatic and rapid changes in growth and development happen
during the first year of life.

Mental : infants make their needs known by crying. They cannot speak yet, but are able
to understand some words by six months old. By one year, they understand many words
and use single words in their vocabulary.

Needs : infants are dependent on others for all their needs. Love and security are essential
for emotional and social growth. Stimulation is essential for mental growth.

3. BABY HOOD
Babyhood is a time when babies are totally dependent upon their parents and
caregivers for their protection and care. Consistent, adequate, gentle care can encourage
the infant to develop the capacity to trust people.
It is the true foundation age.
It is an age of rapid growth and change.
It is an age of increasing independency.
It is the age of heightened individuality.
It is the foundation period of socialization.
It is the foundation period for sex-role typing.

4. EARLY CHILDHOOD (1-6)

Early childhood is a stage in human development. It generally includes
toddlerhood and some time afterwards.

Physical: By age 6, the average weight is 45lbs and the average height is 46 inches.
Muscle coordination allows the child to run, climb, and move freely. Children learn how
to write, draw and use a fork and knife. By 2-4 years, most children learn bowel and
bladder control.

Mental: Develops rapidly. Vocabulary grows from using several words at age one to
1,500-2,500 words by age 6. By age 6 most children want to learn how to read and write.

Emotional: “terrible twos”-children become frustrated when they cannot perform as

desired. They can become stubborn. Needs: still include food, rest, shelter, love, and
security. They must learn to be responsible and to follow rules. This is accomplished by
making reasonable demands based on the child’s ability.
5. LATE CHILDHOOD (6-12)
It is the time period from the age of 6 until the age of 12 years. It is in late
childhood that the first signs of puberty usually begin to appear. A lot of growth is
experienced by both boys and girls during late childhood.

Physical: Also known as preadolescence. Most of the baby teeth are lost and permanent
teeth erupt. During ages 10-12, secondary sexual characteristics may begin to develop in
some children.

Mental: Rapid because child is in school.

Emotional: Fears surrounding starting school are brought under control. By ages 10-12,
sexual maturation and body changes can lead to periods of depression followed by
periods of joy.

Needs: The same as infancy and early childhood but now peer acceptance is added.

6. PUBERTY
Puberty is the process of physical changes through which a child's body matures
into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. It is initiated by hormonal signals from
the brain to the gonads: the ovaries in a girl, the testes in a boy. In response to the signals,
the gonads produce hormones that stimulate libido and the growth, function, and
transformation of the brain, bones, muscle, blood, skin, hair, breasts, and sex organs.
Physical growth—height and weight—accelerates in the first half of puberty and
is completed when an adult body has been developed. Until the maturation of their
reproductive capabilities, the pre-pubertal physical differences between boys and girls are
the external sex organs.
On average, girls begin puberty around ages 10–11 and end puberty around 15–
17; boys begin around ages 11–12 and end around 16–17.

7. ADOLESCENCE (12-18)
Adolescence (from Latin adolescere, meaning 'to grow up') is a transitional stage
of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from
puberty to legal adulthood (age of majority). Adolescence is usually associated with the
teenage years, but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier
and end later.

Physical: physical changes are most dramatic in the early period. Growth spurts occur
that can affect coordination.

Mental: growth primarily involves increase in knowledge and sharpening of skills.

Conflict occurs when adolescents are treated both as children and adults, or told to ‘grow
up’ while being reminded that they are ‘still children’.

Emotional: often stormy and in conflict. Trying to establish independence and identities.
Social: spending more time with friends than family. Seek security in groups of people
their own age.

Needs: In addition to basic needs, adolescents need reassurance, support and

understanding. Eating disorders and chemical abuse may occur if adolescents experience
feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.

8. EARLY ADULTHOOD (19-40)

Early adulthood (also called "emerging adulthood") is a stage of life between 18
and 25 years, when adolescents become more independent and explore different life
possibilities. Early adulthood or emerging adulthood may also refer to Young adulthood
stage in Erik Erikson's model.

Physical: Usually the most productive life stage. Physical development is basically
complete. This is the prime time for childbearing.

Mental: formal education continues, young adults may choose to marry and start families.

Emotional: may experience stress related to careers, marriage, family.

Social: development frequently involves moving away from peers to association with
coworkers and mates. For example, males may become nurses or secretaries, females
may take administrative or construction positions.

9. MIDDLE AGE (40-65)

This time period in the life of a person can be referred to as middle age. This time
span has been defined as the time between ages 45 to 65 years old. Many changes may
occur between young adulthood and this stage. The body may slow down and the middle
aged might become more sensitive to diet, substance abuse, stress, and rest. Chronic
health problems can become an issue along with disability or disease.

Physical: changes begin to occur. Hair begins to gray and thin, skin begins to wrinkle,
hearing loss starts, vision declines, and weight gain occurs.

Mental: mental ability can continue to increase. This is a period when individuals
understand life and have learned to cope with many of its stresses.

Emotional: can be a period of contentment or crisis. Emotional status varies depending

on life changes revolving around children growing up and leaving home, job satisfaction,
financial success, good health.

10. OLD AGE (65 YEARS TO DEATH) “elderly”, “senior citizen”, “golden ager” ,
“retired citizen” Old age refers to ages nearing or surpassing the life expectancy of
human beings, and is thus the end of the human life cycle. This stage is the extension
after 65 years till death.
Physical: physical development are on the decline. All body systems are affected. Skin
becomes dry, wrinkled, and thinner. Hair becomes thin and bones become brittle and
more likely to break. Muscle loses tone, nervous system can cause intolerance to
temperature changes.
Mental: mental abilities vary among individuals. While some elderly people continue to
learn, others have mental declines that can affect short-term memory. Diseases such as
Alzheimer's disease can lead to irreversible loss of memory, Intellectual functions,
speech, and disorientation.

Emotional: Varies depending on individual's ability to cope. some remain happy and
enjoy life, while others may become lonely, frustrated, depressed and withdrawn.

Needs: In Addition to those of all other life stages, The elderly need a sense of belonging,
self-esteem, financial security, social acceptance and love Old people often have limited
regenerative abilities and are more susceptible to disease, syndromes, injuries and
sickness than younger adults. The organic process of ageing is called senescence, the
medical study of the aging process is called gerontology.

Reflection Journal

What I learned from this module

What is unclear to me from this module