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Growth & Development through the Life Span

A study of human development from the prenatal period through death. Using a Biopsychosocial framework the lifespan is explored with explicit consideration to cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural development. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate their understanding of how physical, psychological, and social factors influence development; the research techniques used to study development; and the practical applications of lifespan development to intended profession.

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Learning objectives

Identify core differences between life stages, prenatal through death.
Explain cognitive, emotional, and social development in relation to life stages.
Distinguish the psychological, social, or physical factors that may impact an individual's development.
Synthesize how various theories have influenced the development of lifespan research.

Apply how lifespan development is related to the student’s profession.
Evaluate current research in the field and analytical methods used to gather data.
Assess whether proper classification was utilized during the case study analysis and be able to offer suggestions for future research.

Identify core differences between life stages, prenatal through death.
Explain cognitive, emotional, and social development in relation to life stages.
Distinguish the psychological, social, or physical factors that may impact an individual's development.
Synthesize how various theories have influenced the development of lifespan research.
Apply how lifespan development is related to the student’s profession.
Evaluate current research in the field and analytical methods used to gather data.
Assess whether proper classification was utilized during the case study analysis and be able to offer suggestions for future research.

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Examines human development across the lifespan

Employs a biopsychosocial framework

Explores cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural development

Teaches how to synthesize theories and research to understand development

Shows how lifespan development relates to students' intended profession

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Growth & Development through the Life Span with these activities:

Review basic human biology

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Reviewing basic human biology will provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of human development.

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Read textbook chapters on the key systems of the human body (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, nervous)
Watch online videos or documentaries about human biology
Take practice quizzes or review questions to test your understanding

Read "Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective" by Santrock

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Reading "Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective" provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering all aspects of human development from prenatal to late adulthood.

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Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and theories
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words
Use the book as a reference to clarify concepts discussed in class or during independent study

Develop a timeline of your own lifespan development

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Creating a timeline of your own lifespan development will provide a personalized perspective on the key milestones and experiences that have shaped your development.

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Reflect on your life experiences and identify significant events and transitions
Organize these events into a chronological timeline, including prenatal, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life
Accompany each event with a brief description and explanation of its impact on your development

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Analyze case studies on developmental disorders

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Analyzing case studies on developmental disorders will help you apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and enhance your understanding of atypical development.

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Read the case study and identify the key symptoms and challenges faced by the individual
Apply relevant theories and concepts from the course to explain the individual's developmental profile
Suggest potential interventions or support strategies based on your analysis

Join a study group to discuss course concepts

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Participating in a study group will provide opportunities to engage with peers, clarify concepts, and deepen your understanding of the course material.

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Find a group of classmates with complementary skills and interests
Set regular meeting times and establish ground rules for effective discussions
Take turns leading discussions, presenting key concepts, and facilitating group activities

Volunteer at a local community center or youth organization

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Volunteering provides hands-on experience working with individuals across the lifespan, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of human development.

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Identify a local organization that aligns with your interests and goals
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training or orientation programs to learn about the organization's mission and policies
Participate in activities and programs that provide opportunities to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and developmental stages

Attend workshops on specific topics in human development

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Attending workshops on specific topics in human development allows you to delve deeper into areas that interest you, gain specialized knowledge, and connect with experts in the field.

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Research upcoming workshops related to human development topics
Register for workshops that align with your learning goals and interests
Actively participate in workshops, ask questions, and engage with the presenters and other attendees

Develop a research proposal on a topic related to lifespan development

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Creating a research proposal allows you to synthesize your knowledge of human development, develop a research question, and design a study to investigate it, fostering your research and critical thinking skills.

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Choose a specific topic in human development that you are interested in researching
Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify gaps in knowledge
Develop a research question and hypothesis
Design a research method, including participant selection, data collection, and analysis techniques

Career center

Learners who complete Growth & Development through the Life Span will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Developmental Psychologist

Developmental Psychologists study the cognitive, emotional, and social development of humans throughout the lifespan. They conduct research to understand how people change and grow over time. This course may be useful for Developmental Psychologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of developmental psychology. This overview can help Developmental Psychologists stay up-to-date on the latest research and theory in the field.

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Educational Psychologist

Educational Psychologists help students learn and grow. They work with students, teachers, and parents to identify and address learning challenges. This course may be useful for Educational Psychologists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Educational Psychologists provide more effective support and guidance to students of all ages.

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Geriatric Social Worker

Geriatric Social Workers help older adults cope with the challenges of aging. They provide support, counseling, and advocacy to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. This course may be useful for Geriatric Social Workers because it helps build a foundation for understanding the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Geriatric Social Workers provide more effective support and advocacy to older adults.

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Childcare Provider

Childcare Providers care for children in a variety of settings, including homes, daycare centers, and preschools. They provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. This course may be useful for Childcare Providers because it helps build a foundation for understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. This understanding can help Childcare Providers provide more effective care and support to children of all ages.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists help couples and families improve their relationships. They provide support, counseling, and guidance to help couples and families resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships. This course may be useful for Marriage and Family Therapists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the psychological, social, and physical factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Marriage and Family Therapists provide more effective support and guidance to couples and families.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior of humans and other animals. They use this knowledge to help people understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically-based distress or dysfunction. This course may be useful for Psychologists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social development of individuals throughout the lifespan. This understanding can help Psychologists provide more effective therapy and support to clients of all ages.

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Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course may be useful for Teachers because it helps build a foundation for understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social development of students. This understanding can help Teachers create more effective learning experiences for students of all ages.

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Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapists use recreation and leisure activities to help people improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. They work with people who have disabilities, injuries, or other health conditions. This course may be useful for Recreation Therapists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Recreation Therapists provide more effective therapy and support to clients of all ages.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They work with people who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. This course may be useful for Occupational Therapists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Occupational Therapists provide more effective therapy and support to clients of all ages.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with a variety of life challenges, including poverty, illness, mental health issues, and relationship problems. They also advocate for policies that promote social justice. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it helps build a foundation for understanding the social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Social Workers provide more effective support and advocacy to clients of all ages.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their communication skills. They work with people who have speech, language, or swallowing disorders. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Speech-Language Pathologists provide more effective therapy and support to clients of all ages.

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Counselor

Counselors help people cope with a variety of personal and social problems. They provide support, guidance, and advice to help people improve their mental health and well-being. This course may be useful for Counselors because it helps build a foundation for understanding the psychological, social, and physical factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Counselors provide more effective support and guidance to clients of all ages.

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Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselors help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. They provide support, counseling, and guidance to help people achieve sobriety and maintain recovery. This course may be useful for Addiction Counselors because it helps build a foundation for understanding the psychological, social, and physical factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Addiction Counselors provide more effective support and guidance to clients of all ages.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people regain or improve their physical function. They work with people who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions. This course may be useful for Physical Therapists because it helps build a foundation for understanding the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Physical Therapists provide more effective therapy and support to clients of all ages.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide support to the patient's family. This course may be useful for Registered Nurses because it helps build a foundation for understanding the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact an individual's development. This understanding can help Registered Nurses provide more comprehensive and compassionate care to patients of all ages.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Growth & Development through the Life Span.

Development Through The Lifespan

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This comprehensive textbook is commonly used in higher education for lifespan development courses, providing a thorough grounding in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development from conception to late adulthood.

Growth & Development through the Life Span

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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