Child & Adolescent Development

Final Reflection

Prior to taking this course, I had some background knowledge on physical development from a
previous class during my undergrad; however, I did not have much knowledge on the other two
development domains. This class has taught me a great deal about socio-emotional and cognitive
development from infancy to adolescence. The theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Bandura, and Erickson, to
name a few, have helped me understand the different characteristics of development which will be very
helpful when I become a Teacher. Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development, for example, have
taught me the age and characteristics of a normal cognitive child in the following stages: sensiomotor,
preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stage.

Having the knowledge to recognize these stages now will be very helpful in my own classroom
one day. If I have an adolescent student who cannot solve abstract problems, and has not become more
scientific in their thinking, I will be able to determine that they are not where they should be cognitively
for their age, and perhaps have that student diagnosed for an IEP. Although Piaget’s four stages are very
helpful, I learned while working on our group case study that one of the limitations to Piaget’s theories
is that he does not consider cultural contexts. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory does. I have learned that
keeping both theories in mind will be the most accurate way to observe issues with children in my class.

Upon looking at my past reflection on the first day of the term, I had mentioned that I thought
that the environment in which a child develops is the most important factor contributing to their overall
development. I was right that “nurture” is a huge aspect in childhood development but so is “nature”. I
have learned that the two are complex coactions and both contribute to the way in which a child turns
out. After having examined the character Salim in Slumdog Millionaire this has become even more
evident. The case study that my group did helped solidify the knowledge that I have gained over the last
few months and was very useful.

Overall, looking back to the very first day of class, I have learned a great deal. I have the
foundation now to determine whether or not a child within my class is in the proper developmental
stage for their age category. The class has also taught me to take into consideration that every child
comes from a different environment and biological makeup and therefore each child will differ
developmentally. When I do come across these students in my class who do not contain the
characteristics of a “normal” developing child, I can refer back to the knowledge I’ve gained. I will refer
back to Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories in particular, to try to relate with these students and possibly
make accommodations for their learning in my classroom. If their case is severe, I will recognize the
need to have their cognitive and socio-emotional development diagnosed so they can receive the
proper education for their circumstance. Furthermore, this course has served to be one of the most
useful for me, and I am thankful for the knowledge that I take away from it.