Introductory description

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore childhood and adolescence through a developmental perspective within a school context. Students will consider a range of theories that underpin development and use a range of research skills to apply this knowledge and understanding, discerning developmentally appropriate practice in school settings.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will explore key theoretical models related to the developing child in the school context.
Topics considered will include the relationship between cognitive development and academic achievement; the role of language development as risk and protective factor during childhood and adolescence; socio-emotional development and mental health In the school context; atypical development and how to best support pupils in the classroom; the role of educational transitions and their effect on pupils' educational and psychosocial outcomes. This module will consider these issues through an ecological-systemic approach and key educational implications on supporting children through primary and secondary education will be discussed and debated.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To acquire knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of human development from childhood to adolescence in relation to the school context.
• To develop a critical understanding of theories underpinning such development and the differences between them.
• To be able to apply this newly acquired knowledge and understanding to discerning developmentally appropriate practice in school settings.
• To be able to analyse and critically discuss theories and empirical studies and their practical application to understanding child development in the schools.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Interdisciplinary

Module's links with Developmental and Educational Psychology in the examination of how these disciplines underpin different understandings of the developing child in the school context

Subject specific skills

• Reflect upon a range of psychological perspectives and consider how these underpin different understandings of the developing child in the school context
• Apply multiple perspectives to childhood and adolescent issues, recognising that child and adolescent development studies involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications
• Reflect upon the ethics of studying the developing child in the school context ·
• Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions relating to child and adolescent development in an ecological context
• Carry out empirical studies ethically involving a variety of methods of data collection, including observation relating to child and adolescent in an ecological context
• Present and evaluate research findings in the field of child and adolescent development

Transferable skills

• Active listening Character
• Personality
• Cognitive flexibility
• Common sense
• Communication skills
• Complex problem solving
• Confidence
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Initiative and also follow instructions Intellectual ability Interpersonal and communication Judgement and decision making
• Personal development skills
• Persuading/influencing
• Planning and organisational skills Problem solving Reasoning Team working