PROFED 102: THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT LEARNERS AND LEARNING PRINCIPLES

BASIC CONCEPTS AND ISSUES ON

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
MEANING, CONCEPTS, AND APPROACHES
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Human development refers to the process of growth and
change throughout a person's life, encompassing physical,
cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. It examines
how individuals evolve from infancy to old age, influenced
by biological, environmental, and cultural factors.
 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
TRADITIONAL APPROACH LIFE-SPAN APPROACH
typically views it as a series of stages that recognizes that development is a lifelong
occur primarily during childhood and process, acknowledging significant
adolescence, emphasizing fixed changes and growth that can occur in
milestones, often rooted in theories like adulthood and late life.
those of Freud and Erikson.

Life-span approach provides a richer understanding of how people grow and evolve throughout their
lives. It encourages the examination of factors such as resilience, cultural influences, and life events.
Take the concept of career changes in adulthood. An individual may start as a teacher but later switch
to a different field due to personal interests or life circumstances. This transition showcases ongoing
development.
 3.2. THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year):
Key question: "Can I trust the world?"
If caregivers provide reliable care and affection, the
child develops a sense of trust. If not, mistrust and 3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years):
fear may develop. Key question: "Is it okay for me to do things?"
Positive outcome: Trust and security Children begin to assert control and power over their environment
Negative outcome: Mistrust and suspicion through play and other social interactions. Success leads to a sense of
initiative, while failure results in guilt.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, Positive outcome: Initiative and leadership
1-3 years): Negative outcome: Guilt and inhibition
Key question: "Can I do things myself, or must I
always rely on others?" 4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6-12 years):
Children learn personal control over physical skills Key question: "Can I make it in the world of people and things?"
and a sense of independence. Successful completion Children need to cope with new social and academic demands.
leads to autonomy, while failure results in shame Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in
and doubt. feelings of inferiority.
Positive outcome: Confidence and independence Positive outcome: Competence and pride in accomplishments
Negative outcome: Shame and self-doubt Negative outcome: Inferiority and low self-esteem
 3.2. THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18
years):
Key question: "Who am I, and where am I going?"
Teens explore different roles and ideas to form their
personal identity. Successful resolution leads to a 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years):
strong sense of self, while failure results in confusion Key question: "What can I contribute to the world?"
about future roles. Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often
Positive outcome: Strong identity and sense of by having children or contributing to positive changes that benefit
direction others. Success leads to a sense of accomplishment, while failure
Negative outcome: Role confusion and instability results in stagnation and a sense of unproductiveness.
Positive outcome: Generativity and care for others
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 Negative outcome: Stagnation and self-absorption
years):
Key question: "Can I love and be loved?" 8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65-death):
Young adults need to form intimate, loving Key question: "Was my life meaningful?"
relationships with others. Success leads to strong In this final stage, older adults reflect on their lives. If they view their
relationships, while failure results in isolation and lives as well-lived, they feel a sense of integrity and satisfaction. If not,
loneliness. they experience despair and regret.
Positive outcome: Deep relationships and love Positive outcome: Wisdom and acceptance of life
Negative outcome: Isolation and loneliness Negative outcome: Despair and fear of death
 3.2. THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
1. Oral Stage (0-1 years):
Focus of pleasure: Mouth (sucking, biting)
Key conflict: Weaning from breastfeeding or bottle
Possible fixation: Dependency, smoking, overeating, nail-
biting
4. Latency Stage (6-puberty):
2. Anal Stage (1-3 years):
Focus of pleasure: Bowel and bladder control Focus of pleasure: Dormant sexual feelings
Key conflict: Toilet training Key development: Social and intellectual skills, peer
Possible fixation: Obsession with cleanliness (anal-retentive) relationships
or messiness (anal-expulsive) Fixation: Rare at this stage, but difficulties can lead to
immaturity and inability to form deep relationships
3. Phallic Stage (3-6 years):
Focus of pleasure: Genitalia 5. Genital Stage (puberty-adulthood):
Key conflict: Oedipus complex in boys, Electra complex in girls
(unconscious sexual desire for opposite-sex parent and Focus of pleasure: Maturing sexual interests
jealousy of same-sex parent) Key development: Healthy adult sexual relationships,
Possible fixation: Over-identification with one gender, sexual balanced between love and work
dysfunctions Fixation: If earlier stages were not resolved, there might be
difficulty in forming healthy relationships
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
What do you think are the biggest challenges
individuals face as they grow and develop across
different life stages, from childhood to adulthood?
 3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
FAMILY DYNAMICS
patterns of interactions, relationships, and behaviors among family members.

HEALTH ISSUES
physical, mental, and emotional conditions

POVERTY
lack of financial resources to meet basic living standards

• In 2022, the global extreme poverty rate was estimated to be around 9.2%, representing an increase due to the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
• UNESCO reports that 258 million children and youth were out of school globally in 2018, including 57 million children
of primary school age.
• The WHO also reported that in 2021, approximately 2.3 billion people lacked access to basic health services.
 "THE TWIN STORY"
"Imagine two identical twins separated at birth
and raised in completely different
environments — one in a wealthy, well-educated
family and the other in a less privileged, rural
community with limited access to education. Do
you think they will be the same when they grow
up, even though they share the same genes?
 3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

NATURE VS. NURTURE DEBATE

NATURE NURTURE

Conversely, the "nurture" side emphasizes the role of

proponents of the "nature" argument assert environment, including family, culture, education, and
that biological factors such as genetics social interactions. A child raised in a stimulating
and hereditary traits significantly shape environment with access to educational resources may
develop cognitive abilities that differ markedly from a child
personality, intelligence, and behavior. For
in a deprived setting. Research shows that experiences in
example, studies in behavioral genetics early childhood, such as quality of parenting and
suggest that certain traits, like temperament, educational opportunities, can significantly influence long-
may be inherited. term developmental outcomes.
 THE DOCUMENTARY "THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS"
A documentary film that tells the remarkable and unsettling story of triplets Bobby
Shafran, David Kellman, and Eddy Galland, who were separated at birth and reunited
by chance at the age of 19. The triplets were part of a controversial scientific study
conducted by a psychiatrist named Peter Neubauer, who intentionally separated identical
siblings to study the effects of nature versus nurture.

RESEARCH &
READ ABOUT THEM.
 3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
CULTURAL INFLUENCES
CULTURE Collectivist cultures Individualistic cultures
Culture plays a crucial role in In collectivist societies (e.g., In individualistic societies
shaping human development. It many Asian, African, and (e.g., the United States and
encompasses beliefs, values, Latin American cultures), many Western European
customs, and practices that family and community countries), personal freedom
i n f l u e n c e h ow i n d i v i d u a l s
approval are highly valued. and self-expression are
perceive themselves and
interact with others. prioritized.
 HOMOSEXUALITY
How do collectivistic and
individualistic cultures differ in
their understanding and
acceptance of homosexuality?
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS (SES)
POVERTY
• Impact: Lack of financial resources can limit access
to education, healthcare, nutrition, and safe living
conditions, significantly affecting cognitive and
emotional development.
• Example: Children in impoverished families may face
malnutrition, which can lead to developmental delays
and lower academic achievement.
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION INEQUALITY
• Impact: Disparities in access to quality education can
lead to unequal opportunities for learning and
personal growth.
• Example: Children in underfunded schools may not
receive the same educational resources and support
as those in well-funded schools, affecting their future
career prospects.
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

HEALTH ISSUES
• Impact: Physical and mental health problems can
hinder development by affecting one's ability to learn,
socialize, and work effectively.
• Example: A child with untreated ADHD may struggle
academically and socially, impacting their overall
development and future opportunities.
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

FAMILY DYNAMICS
• Impact: Dysfunctional family environments, including
abuse, neglect, or high conflict, can lead to emotional
and psychological issues that affect development.
• Example: Children from abusive households may
develop attachment issues, low self-esteem, and
difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life.
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

LACK OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS

• Impact: Absence of supportive relationships and
networks can leave individuals feeling isolated,
affecting their emotional health and development.
• Example: Young adults without family or community
suppor t may struggle with transitions to
independence, affecting their career and personal
growth.
3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

CULTURAL NORMS AND STIGMA

• Impact: Societal attitudes towards issues like gender
roles, sexuality, and mental health can hinder
personal development and self-acceptance.
• Example: In cultures that stigmatize homosexuality,
individuals may experience internal conflict,
depression, or anxiety, impacting their overall well-
being.
 3.3 ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

DISCRIMINATION AND INEQUALITY

• Impact: Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual
orientation, or disability can create barriers to
oppor tunities and resources necessar y for
development.
• Example: Racial minorities may face systemic
discrimination that limits their access to quality
education and employment, impacting their
developmental trajectory.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY: "VOICES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT"
Objective: To explore human development issues through real-life perspectives, fostering
empathy and understanding of diverse experiences.
Choose an Issue: Each student or group of students selects a specific human development issue
from the following list:
1.Poverty
2.Education inequality
3.Health issues
4.Family dynamics
5.Cultural norms and stigma
6.Discrimination and inequality
7.Substance abuse
8.Mental health issues
9.Environmental factors
10.Lack of support systems
RESEARCH ACTIVITY: "VOICES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT"
Research Phase:
• Option A: Interview:
⚬ Students identify and interview a person affected by their chosen issue. This could be
someone from their community, a family member, or a professional working in relevant fields
(e.g., social workers, educators, healthcare professionals).
⚬ INTERVIEW GUIDE:
￭ Can you share your experience with this issue?
￭ How has it impacted your life or the lives of those around you?
￭ What support systems were available to you?
￭ What changes do you believe are necessary to address this issue?
• Option B: Find Recent News/Articles:
⚬ Students research recent news articles, journalistic pieces, or true stories related to their
selected issue. They can look for stories that highlight personal experiences, community
challenges, or successful interventions.
⚬ Analyze the article's content, focusing on key themes, statistics, and personal narratives.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY: "VOICES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT"
Reflection Paper :
• After conducting the interview or reviewing the articles, students write a reflective paper
summarizing your findings. This paper should include:
⚬ A brief overview of the issue and its significance in human development.
⚬ Key insights from the interview or article, emphasizing personal experiences or stories.
⚬ Reflections on how this issue affects individuals and communities.
⚬ Any proposed solutions or changes that could address the issue.

Performance Task:
• Students will present their findings to the class in a 5-10 minute presentation, sharing insights
from the interview or article. Use visual aids (like PowerPoint slides or posters) to enhance your
presentations.