Unit 3: Periods of human development

Introduction 

Understanding human development is crucial for teachers, as it enables them to recognize how learners grow and change across different life stages. Development occurs in both prenatal (germinal, embryonic, and fetal) and postnatal periods (infancy through late childhood), each marked by unique physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. This knowledge helps educators design age-appropriate learning experiences, respond to learners’ needs, and identify potential developmental concerns. Beyond childhood, human development continues through adolescence, adulthood, and old age, with each stage involving new challenges and growth. Psychological theories, such as Erikson’s psychosocial stages and Piaget’s cognitive theory, offer insight into key issues like identity formation, intimacy, career development, and life reflection. By understanding these lifelong processes, educators are better equipped to support learners’ holistic growth at every age.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Describe the main stages of prenatal and postnatal human development.
•  Apply knowledge of developmental stages to plan age-appropriate learning experiences and support learners’ needs in the classroom.
• Analyze the emotional, social, moral, and cognitive changes that characterize adolescence, adulthood, and old age using major developmental theories.
• Evaluate the relevance and applicability of Erikson’s psychosocial theory in explaining identity, intimacy, and integrity across the later stages of life.
• Synthesize insights from various psychological theories to explain how individuals adapt to developmental challenges in adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
• Create developmentally appropriate strategies or programs that support healthy adjustment and growth during adolescence, adulthood and old age.