Thanks to theory, I know. Thanks to practice, I feel … The truth about children is not to be found in books, but in life.Janusz Korczak 1878 - 1942
Theory guides practice, which in turn shapes and reshapes the theory…they are interacting and interdependent…
Why look at developmental theories?
Four reasons why a solid understanding of development can help teachers …
1. Knowledge of typical milestones of development allows us to predict the changes children will face in the near future.
2. Knowledge of social-cognitive development allows us to respond to students at the appropriate level – in a way they can understand.
3. A sound knowledge of typical development in each domain (e.g. physical, cognitive, social-emotional) will enable us to know which changes should occur with other changes, in other domains.
4. Awareness of the interaction of temperament, stage of development in each domain and environmental factors should produce an appreciation of the range of individual differences that we can expect to encounter in our work with children.
A solid understanding of typical development enables us to:
deal with children at their level
anticipate changes
recognize problems in which developments are not achieved or coordinated with development in other areas.
plan and make decisions based on solid principles
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