Psychological Theories of Human Development

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses some of the main theories of human development that focus on cognitive development, environmental influences and a combination of the two. It looks at theories that include psychoanalytic, learning, humanistic, cognitive and ethological. The paper focuses on the theory that best aligns with the writer's own approach to teaching - Albert Bandura's theory of learning and social cognition.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Psychoanalytic Theory
Learning Theory
Humanistic Theory
Cognitive Theory
Ethological Theory
Theorist who's Beliefs Align with My Approach to Teaching
How this Theory Directly Applies and Relates to the Classroom
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The work of Albert Bandura has emphasized the role of environmental influences in shaping behavior patterns so much so that he has laid the responsibility for creating positive environments for child development directly at the feet of parents, teachers, and other caregivers. The principles of social learning through modeling and reinforcement have also made adults, especially teachers, very aware of the role they play in modeling behaviors for children. During the school year, school age children spend more hours at school than at home, therefore, the behavior of their teachers is extremely important in relation to social learning and behavior modeling. Additionally, Bandura's view that individuals have partial control over the environment around them by their reaction to it has great implications for the classroom. It can be surmised that when children feel comfortable and at ease in the classroom they will excel. Especially if these children do not feel powerless, but instead feel as though they have some control, however minor, over the environment."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bandura, A. (1989). Social Cognitive Theory. In R. Vasta (Ed.), Annals of Child Development (Vol. 6 pp. 1-60). Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.
• Bandura, A., & Ross, D., & Ross, S.A. (1963). Imitation of Film-mediated Aggressive Models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 66, 3-11.
• Buhler, Charlotte (1999). From Birth to Maturity: An Outline of the Psychological Development of the Child. London: Routledge.
• Egeland, B., & Vaughn B. (1981). Failure of "Bond Formation" as a Cause of Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 51.1.
• Erikson, Erik (1982). The Lifecycle Completed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc..

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