Conceptual & Human Development

Catalog description

An understanding of human development is the foundation for effective teaching. Developmental processes, the intersection of biology and cultural context, are the blueprint upon which the educational objectives and curricula of schools should be built. We will explore the entire life span, focusing on cognitive development throughout, with primary emphasis on middle childhood and adolescence. The course will offer a survey of theories of human development, an overview of the potential conceptual abilities of children and adults, and a framework for creating effective curricula. Because students will participate in this course remotely, each student must have a quiet space, reliable power and internet connection, and an electronic device (tablet size or larger, not a cell phone) for class in order to fully participate each week. (Additional contact hours will be met by specific course work designed to be completed on-line).