Human Development and Learning (EDU-302)

Assignment 1 (Spring-2023)
Total Marks: 20
Lectures: 1-12 (1-40: Topics)

Instructions:

➢ Late assignments will not be accepted.

➢ If the file is corrupt or problematic, it will be marked zero. Also, ensure that you have uploaded the correct
file. The wrong file will also be marked zero.
➢ Plagiarism will never be tolerated. Plagiarism occurs when taking or copying someone else's work and or
ideas and submitting this as your own. Also, do not use online paraphrasing tools to avoid Plagiarism.
Therefore, rephrase the taken material or write it into your own words with references.
➢ Assignments will not be accepted via e-mail.
➢ The solution file should be in Word document format; use Times New Roman font style with 12-point font
size; keep the same font and spacing for the entire document.

Assignment Questions. Total marks=20)

Q: Define the concept of development in your own words. What are the stages
of Human development? Enlist these stages. Discuss the characteristics of at
least one stage in detail with examples? (2+8+10=20 marks)

Concept of Development:
Development, in its broadest sense, refers to the process of growth, change, and maturation that occurs
throughout an individual's life. It involves the acquisition of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills and
abilities.

Stages of Human Development:

The stages of human development are typically categorized into several key periods. Although the specific
terminology and number of stages may vary depending on the theory or framework used, a commonly
recognized set of stages includes:

1. Prenatal Development: This stage begins with conception and encompasses the growth and development of
the embryo and fetus in the mother's womb until birth.
2. Infancy: This stage spans from birth to around 2 years of age. It is characterized by rapid physical growth, the
development of basic motor skills, the emergence of language, and the formation of early attachments with
caregivers.

3. Early Childhood: This stage extends from around 2 to 6 years of age. Children in this stage typically
experience significant advances in language, cognition, and social skills. They begin to engage in pretend play,
refine their motor skills, and develop a sense of self-identity.

4. Middle Childhood: This stage covers the ages of 6 to 11 years. It is marked by further development of
cognitive abilities, increased independence, the acquisition of formal education, and the formation of peer
relationships.

5. Adolescence: This stage occurs from around 12 to 18 years of age and involves the physical, cognitive, and
social transition from childhood to adulthood. Adolescents experience puberty, undergo rapid physical changes,
develop abstract thinking abilities, and seek to establish their identities and autonomy.

6. Early Adulthood: This stage typically encompasses the period from the late teens to the mid-30s. It is
characterized by further identity exploration, the pursuit of education and career goals, forming intimate
relationships, and assuming adult responsibilities.

7. Middle Adulthood: This stage occurs from approximately the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Individuals in this
stage often experience stability in their personal and professional lives, engage in generativity (e.g., parenting,
mentoring), and confront issues related to aging.

8. Late Adulthood: This stage begins around the mid-60s and continues until the end of life. It involves
adaptations to the challenges of aging, retirement, and potential declines in physical and cognitive abilities.
Older adults may focus on maintaining social connections and reflecting on their life experiences.

Let's discuss the characteristics of adolescence in more detail:

Adolescence is a critical and complex stage of development. One key characteristic is the physical changes
associated with puberty, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast
development in girls and facial hair growth in boys. Hormonal changes during this period can also influence
mood swings and emotional intensity.
Cognitive development during adolescence is marked by the emergence of abstract thinking abilities, enabling
teenagers to reason logically, contemplate hypothetical situations, and engage in more advanced problem-
solving. This cognitive development allows them to question authority, form their own opinions, and develop a
sense of personal identity.

Socially, adolescents experience a shift towards greater independence and a heightened desire for autonomy.
They seek to establish their own identities separate from their parents and form peer relationships that become
increasingly influential. Peer pressure and the need for social acceptance can play significant roles in decision-
making during this stage. Adolescents also engage in identity exploration, trying out different roles, values, and
beliefs to form a coherent sense of self.

As an example, let's consider a 15-year-old teenager named Sarah. Sarah experiences physical changes such as
the development of breasts and the onset of menstruation, which are part of her pubertal development. She may
go through emotional ups and downs, experiencing intense feelings of happiness, sadness, or anger due to
hormonal fluctuations. Sarah's cognitive abilities are also expanding, allowing her to think abstractly, engage in
hypothetical reasoning, and ponder moral and ethical issues. She might start questioning her parents' beliefs and
forming her own opinions about societal issues.

Socially, Sarah begins to assert her independence, seeking more autonomy in decision-making. She may start
spending more time with friends, and peer acceptance becomes increasingly important to her. Sarah might
experiment with different styles of clothing, music, or hobbies to develop her own unique identity. These
experiences and challenges are characteristic of the complex and transformative nature of adolescence.

Overall, each stage of human development brings unique challenges, opportunities, and characteristics that
shape individuals' growth and maturation. Understanding these stages helps us appreciate the diverse aspects of
human development and tailor appropriate support and guidance to individuals at different points in their life
journey.
 Rubric

Criteria Ratings Marks

Exemplary Acceptable Incomplete

13-20marks 6-12 marks 0-5 marks

Define the concept of • Effectively • Effectively • An incomplete

development in your explain all parts explain but answer and
own words. What are of question with grammar does not
the stages of Human adequate mistakes are meet all
development? Enlist description. present. requirements
these stages. Discuss • Use headings to • Use headings of the
the characteristics of describe different but question.
at least one stage in parts of the description • There is no
detail with examples? question. does not meet detailed
• With no all description
grammatical requirements of the
errors. of the content.
• It meets all the question. • Grammatical
requirements of • Content needs mistakes are
the question. more present.
• Content is improvement. • Content is not
appropriate. appropriate.
Total
Marks:20