Human Development

Meaning, Concepts and

Approaches
Presented by:
Minneth Zinnia Dayaday and Dylyn Dequino
Every living creature is
called to become what it
is meant to be.
Human Development
Human development refers to the pattern of
movement or change that begins at
conception and continues through the life
span.
 Major Principles of
Human Development
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Growth / Development Patterns

Cephalocaudal Pattern Proximodistal Pattern

MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Cephalocaudal Pattern (head-to-toe development)

Growth and development proceed from the head (cephalo) down to the tail or feet (caudal).

Example: Infants first gain control of their head and neck muscles, then their arms, and later
their legs.

Development starts with the brain and head, ensuring critical

areas like vision, hearing, and cognitive functions mature first.

Strength and coordination in the neck and upper body develop

early, enabling infants to explore their surroundings (e.g.,
lifting their head, sitting up).
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

However, Skills like walking or running take

longer to develop as the focus shifts
downward over time.

Babies can be less stable and prone to falling

as their head grows faster than the rest of
their body initially.
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Proximodistal Pattern (center-to-outward

development)
Growth and development progress from the center of the body (proximal) outward to
the extremities (distal).
Example: Babies first develop control over their torso, then their arms, and finally their
hands and fingers for fine motor skills.
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Focus on developing the torso and core muscles supports posture,

balance, and stability early on.
By building control from the center outward, children develop gross
motor skills (like arm movements) before fine motor skills (like
grasping).

However, Tasks requiring precision,

like writing or using small objects,
take longer to develop because
extremities like fingers are last to
mature. For Babies, they may may
struggle with using their hands and
fingers early, which can delay
interactive play and object
manipulation.
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Individual Development Differences

Development may seem similar for everyone, but each person develops in
their own way.

Genetics Environment Experiences

MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Gradual Nature of Development

Human development occurs gradually over time, rather than in abrupt
shifts.
MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Complexity of Development Processes

Human development is shaped by biology, thinking, and emotions. These parts
work together to help a person grow, so it’s important to look at all these factors
when studying how people develop.
Approaches to Human
Development
Traditional Perspective
and
Life-span Aproach
Approaches to Human Development

Traditional Perspective
The Traditional Perspective posits that human development is marked by
significant changes from birth to adolescence, little change in adulthood, and
eventual decline in old age.
Approaches to Human Development

Life-span Approach
The Life-span Approach sees development as a lifelong process, with changes
happening even in adulthood. It highlights that people can grow and adapt at
any age, showing how different stages of life are connected.
Approaches to Human Development

What’s the difference?

... lies in the view of adulthood

Traditional Perspective = Stability

is in Adulthood
Life-span Approach = sees it as a
period of continual change.
Approaches to Human Development

Characteristics of Life-span Approach

Development is LIFE-LONG
Development is PLASTIC
(Positive and Negative)

Development is MULTIDIMENSIONAL
(Biological dimension, Cognitive dimension, and Socio-emotional dimension)

Development is Contextual
(Culture, Family, and Environment)

Development involves GROWTH, MAINTENANCE,

and REGULATIONS.
Principles of Child Development and
Learning
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Importance of All Developmental Areas

All areas of development, including physical, cognitive, and socio-
emotional, are interconnected and crucial for a child's overall
growth. Neglecting any one domain can hinder a child's ability to
thrive in others, affecting overall development and well-being.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Sequences of Learning and Development

Child development follows specific sequences that can be observed
across various age groups. These sequences provide a roadmap for
understanding typical developmental milestones, enabling educators
and caregivers to foster optimal learning environments.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Variability in Developmental Rates

Children develop at different rates due to various factors such as genetics,
environment, and personal experiences. Understanding this variability helps
caregivers tailor their approaches to meet each child's unique developmental
needs.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Interaction of Maturation and Experience

Development results from the interaction between biological maturation
and life experiences. Both aspects are vital; maturity allows for readiness
while experiences provide the context for learning and growth.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Impact of Early Experiences

Early experiences profoundly influence future behavior and learning.
Positive early interactions foster resilience and adaptability, while
negative experiences can lead to developmental challenges later on in
life.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Complexity and Self-regulation in Development

Child development is complex, involving multiple areas such as
cognitive abilities and emotional regulation. Self-regulation is a key
component that allows children to manage their emotions and
behaviors effectively in various situations.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Role of Secure Relationships

Secure relationships with caregivers significantly contribute to positive child
development. These relationships promote emotional stability, enabling
children to explore their surroundings and engage in learning confidently.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Influence of Social and Cultural Contexts

Social and cultural contexts shape children’s learning experiences and
development. Various factors like family traditions and community values
play a crucial role in influencing a child’s developmental trajectory.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Diverse Learning Methods

Children learn in various ways, including through play, observation, and
hands-on experiences. Acknowledging these diverse learning methods is
essential for developing effective educational practices that engage all
learners.
Principles of Child Development and Learning

Play as a Developmental Vehicle

Play is a fundamental vehicle for children's development, fostering skills
such as problem-solving, social interaction, and creativity. It is essential for
development across cognitive, emotional, and social domains.
Thank
You