Theorist Comparison
Educators have different sets of beliefs about how children grow and develop, and there are several theories about how children develop and learn. For example, one theory holds that children simply mature as they grow older. Another theory is that the environment shapes what children become. In some theories, genetics and environment are believed to interact to influence learning and behavior. Understanding these different theories will be important in teaching and caring for children in early childhood settings.
Complete Parts 1 and 2 below using the provided instructions.
Part 1: Theorist Comparison Table
Complete the Theorist Comparison Table assignment.
Part 2: Growth and Development Theories Paper
Write a minimum 1-page paper describing child growth and development.
In your paper, include:
A brief description of key characteristics of early childhood growth and development
An explanation about how understanding the child development theories from the Part 1: Theorist Comparison Table can help you as an educator (e.g., communicate with your students and their families, organize your classroom, plan your lessons, etc.)
Research the theorists listed in the “Theorist” column in the table below.
Add 3 more prominent human development theorists in the open spaces in the “Theorist” column in the table below.
In 1 or 2 complete sentences, complete the table by providing each theorist’s ideas regarding the areas of human development listed in the table.
Note: Not every theorist contributed to each area of human development listed in the table. When this happens, enter “N/A” in the cell.
Theorist Physical Development Cognitive Development Language Development Social and Emotional Development Moral Development
Piaget
Bandura
Freud
Erickson
Vygotsky
Watson
Gesell
Bronfenbrenner
Skinner
