Reflection 2 - Learners in Context

Our discussion on Nature vs nurture has been one of my favorite discussion because it was great to hear about the many different yet similar opinions. In particular Chad Johnson had a very unique take on it because his example mentioned his young twins. You could make the argument that his twins have had the same 'nurture' experience and yet he sees differences in their natural abilities. This to me is a great example of how there are biological predispositions. Our textbook stated that most developmental psychologist believe in the combination of nature and nurture rather than one or the other and I would say that our class agrees with this perspective. 
Another interesting topic that we have covered thus far is the chapter describing stage theories. I have always been fascinated when discussing stage theories because of it attempt the describe how we humans develop as we grow. Its also draws in my attention because Piaget is always discussed during a stage theory debate. While there are so many flaws (also addressed in our textbook) there is really some good information that does explain development. Specifically I think of the sensorimotor stage of development. Piaget described the type of learning during this time of growth to be all in the actions of the baby and not in the mind. Rather or not I completely agree with this or not is irrelevant because I can absolutely know what Piaget was getting at. Babies learn through experiencing not necessarily through thinking. During my time working at a Daycare we would think of all the different sensory experiences we could give the younger children: Soapy water, different types of fabric, rubber, etc. You could just see the expressions of pure amazement on their faces as they took in this new information and store it away. 
As for the information on the curriculum that is going to come I am really looking forward to the chapter titled "Language Development and Linguistic Diversity". I hope and also expect the authors to provide some really good information and research on the subject and I am excited to hear about it!

Reflection 1 - Learners in Context

I studied child and adolescent development at EWU, my bachelors degree is in developmental psychology with my focused age group being childhood and adolescence. I feel that I am familiar with concepts in this area even though it has been a couple years since I graduated. Our prompt asks us to say what we know about child and adolescent development and that is not the easiest thing to put into one reflection. I can say, however, that one of the most influential concepts that has shaped the way I interact with young people is that every interaction that you have with them could have a huge impact on their lives with out you ever realizing it. Childhood through adolescence is the most important time period in a persons life, it is the time when we look to the world for guidance. This vulnerability is something that I always remember when working with children, knowing that they are building trust, love, respect, good behavior and so much more based off of those who are closest to them. One of the most influential person in a child's life is their teacher, which is probably why I chose the path I did, I wanted to use what I knew to be a good influence in the lives of children. I am currently waiting for our textbooks to arrive and looking forward to reading it because I have read many books on development but none specifically geared for educators.