Details for EDU228 Child and Adolescent Development

This subject introduces human development with a specific focus on the period from on childhood and adolescence. Students will study the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of early childhood through to pre-adolescent development and consider these through a Christian Worldview lens. They will analyse factors that influence development and implications for educational practice. They will analyse factors that influence development and the implications for educational practice. They will also examine optimal well-being and some of the primary barriers to child and adolescent well-being and what teachers and schools can do to support this. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU228
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

The following are prerequisites:

• EDU103 Foundations of Christian Education 
• EDU116 Introduction to Learning Theory 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Analyse and discuss child and adolescent biological, psychological, social, spiritual development and well-being theory and articulate a biblical worldview perspective to understanding and applying these.  
2. Design learning programs that integrate a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent biological, psychological, social, spiritual development and evidence-based learning theory. 
3. Articulate how developmental and evidence-based learning theory may be used to plan for and deliver effective and differentiated teaching, learning and assessment. 
4. Analyse the key developmental and well-being challenges encountered by children and adolescents in contemporary society and propose approaches to respond constructively to these with reference to classroom management, whole school/centre, policy and community context.  

Subject Content

1. Worldview and human development 
2. An introduction to child and adolescent development theory 
3. Psychological and Social Development  
4. Cognitive development.  
5. Biological Development  
6. Development of identity and self-concept
7. Integrating developmental and evidence-based learning theory in learning program and lesson planning  
8. Integrating developmental and evidence-based learning theory in program/lesson planning 
9. Responding to key challenges in adolescent development 
10. Positive psychology and wellbeing
11. Strategies for working with parents and community   
12. Reflection and presentations

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face on site (extensive)
• Face to face on site (intensive)
• E-learning (online/synchronous)
• E-learning (online/synchronous)

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Critical Reflection: Forum Posts (20%)
2. Lesson plan & Critical Analysis (40%)
3. Integrated Project: Written proposal (30%)
4. Presentation and session attendance (10%)

Prescribed Text

1. Swaner, L. & Wolfe, A. (2021). Fourishing together. A Christian vision for students, educators & schools. Wm.B.Eerdmans Publishing.  
2. Middleton, R. (2014). A new heaven and a new earth. Reclaiming biblical eschatology. Baker Academic. (pp.38-52) 
3. New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)