Human Development – Birth to Adolescence ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

This course will focus on physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children and adolescents. The course explores theories of development within the contexts of families, cultures, communities and schools. It prepares prospective teachers to understand the needs, abilities and behaviors of children and adolescents. The course content will address theories of learning and teaching; genetic and environmental factors affecting child development; individual differences in abilities and developmental patterns; developmental issues and learning needs of students with special needs; and best practices for teaching and assessment. Teacher candidates will learn strategies in creating a positive and motivating learning environment. Students must complete at least 10 hours (non-certified teacher candidates) or 5 hours (certified teacher candidates) in a New York state classroom observing/assisting a certified special education teacher to explore the relevance of the topics to a classroom setting. Observation assignments will integrate theoretical and research-based concepts with classroom practice. These hours count toward the 50 field experience hours required for Transitional B students or the 100 hours required for Residency students.