Assignment: Factors Related To Development

Assignment: Factors Related To Development

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1. Imagine that a local school district hired you to assess their curriculum and other factors related to development. They asked that you make recommendations on a variety of issues because you are an expert in this field. Based on your course reading, what would you suggest regarding: (a) the role of bilingual education in elementary school, (b) the role that fathers play in a child’s development, (c) the importance of peer social relationships, and (d) the consequences for children of being exposed to child care outside the home.

2. Identify Baumrind’s parenting styles and discuss which one(s) you were raised with. How do you believe that the parenting style you were raised with impacted your development?

3. One of the most important theoretical debates that developmental psychologists grapple with is what is generally referred to as nature versus nurture. Discuss what this debate means and highlight one personal trait or characteristic (preferably one of your own traits or characteristics) and explain how it is impacted by both nature and nurture.

I have attached the essay format (300 words per question)

Robert S. Feldman, Essentials of Understanding Psychology, 11th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2015)

ISBN-13: 978-0-07-786188-9

Nature and nurture both contribute to the growth and development of children. Although what’s endowed by nature is constant, nurture tends to make a big difference too. Here are a few factors affecting children’s growth and development.

1. Heredity

Heredity is the transmission of physical characteristics from parents to children through their genes. It influences all aspects of physical appearance such as height, weight, body structure, the colour of the eye, the texture of the hair, and even intelligence and aptitudes. Diseases and conditions such as heart disease, , , etc., can also be passed through genes, thereby affecting the growth and development of the child adversely. However, environmental factors and nurturing can bring the best out of the already present qualities in the genes.

2. Environment

The environment plays a critical role in the development of children and it represents the sum total of physical and psychological stimulation the child receives. Some of the environmental factors influencing early childhood development involve the physical surroundings and geographical conditions of the place the child lives in, as well his social environment and relationships with family and peers. It is easy to understand that a well-nurtured child does better than a deprived one; the environment children are constantly immersed in contributes to this. A good school and a loving family builds in children strong