SUBJECT: PROF. ED.

1 (The Child and Adolescent Learner and Learning Principles)

UNITS: 3
SY: 2022-2023
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Agnes B. Blanquiza

MODULE 1
PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION

All children pass through predictable stages of growth and development as they mature. Each
child’s progress is unique. A child cannot be forced to achieve a milestone faster than that child’s own
timetable will allow. Maturing involves growth in ability to perform skills, to think, to relate to people, to
trust, to have confidence in oneself.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Define growth, development and maturation
2. Identify types of growth and development
3. Cite principles of human growth and development and their application in classroom situations.
4. Identify patterns of growth and development

DEFINTION:
 Development - a gradual change and expansion; advancement (progress) from lower to more
advanced stages of complexity (increase in skills and capacity of function).
 Growth - an increase in number and size of cells as they divide and synthesize new proteins, results
in increased size and weight of the whole or any parts o f the body.
 Maturation - an increase in competence and adaptability.

FOCUS HERE:

I. Types of Growth and Development

A. Types of Growth:
a) Physical such as: weight, height, head and chest circumferences.
b) Physiologic such as vital signs.
c) Sensation: vision, touch, hearing, taste and smell.
B. Types of Development:
a. Motor, ex. Sitting, walking, running, etc.
b. Cognitive, ex. Intellectual (reasoning, mental thinking)
c. Emotional, ex. Love, fear, etc.
d. Social, ex. Self concept, friendship, development sense of trust.

II. Patterns of Growth and Development

A. Directional Trends
 Growth and development proceed in regular, related directions and reflect
physical development and maturation of neuromuscular functions.
 The first pattern is Cephalocaudal or head to tail direction.
 The second pattern is the Proximodistal or near to far where growth proceeds
from the center or midline of the body to the Periphery.
B. Sequential Trends
 Growth and development is a definite, predictable sequence, with each child
normally passing through every stage, e.g. Children stand before walk; The child
bubbles then forms words and finally sentences.
 C. Developmental Pace
 Progress not at the same rate
 There are periods of accelerated growth and periods of decelerated growth in
both total body growth. E.g. Rapid growth before and after birth; Slow during
early childhood, Slow during middle childhood; Increase at the beginning of
adolescence and early adulthood.

D. Sensitive Periods
 Limited time during the process of growth when the organism interact with
the environment in specific manner.
 The quality of interactions during these periods determine whether the effects
are beneficial or harmful, E.g. The first 3 months of prenatal life; A warm
relationship with a parent is fundamental healthy personality (first year of life).

III. Factors Influencing Growth and Development

1. Heredity
2. Sex
3. Race and nationality
4. Environmental factors: a) Prenatal environment; b) Post natal environment (socio-economic
status of the family, child nutrition, climate and season, and child ordinal position in the
family, illness, injury).
5. Hormonal Influences, e.g. Influence of growth hormone or thyroid hormones.
6. Emotions, e.g. If love is not given, retardation in growth development can occur.

Assignment 1:
1. Comment on the development, growth and maturation of a child.
2. Compare and contrast growth and development, present your answer through a Venn diagram.
3. Examine the patterns of growth and development; briefly give your remarks on directional trends,
sequential trends, developmental pace and sensitive periods.
4. Briefly explain how the following factors affect growth and development, you can cite example:
1. Heredity; 2. Sex; 3. Race and nationality; 4) Environment; 5) emotions