Child Psychology Level 3

Course review:

Module 1: The History of Childhood in Britain

We take childhood for granted with respect to tradition and its place in society today. However, over the past several hundred years a child’s early experiences have changed dramatically. Their place in society and family structure has become valued and one of nurture.

In this module we explore the history of childhood in Britain and look at how the role of the child has changed and been shaped by historical events such as the industrial revolution. We also look at how the beginning and end of childhood has changed in terms of social perspectives and family expectations.

The module will draw on historical and social evidence which will underpin the discussions that follow in module 2, and give students a basis on which to consider the emergence of child psychology.

Module 2: Child Psychology Explained

One would think that with a broad range of general psychology branches we would not need a separate one for children. However when considering the uniqueness of childhood development and experience it will become clear that our modern society demands specific methodologies and approaches tailored to children.

Within this module the aims and objectives of child psychology are examined. Methods of research will be presented and discussed, together with ethical considerations which are specific to children.

There will be discussions on the justification of a separate branch of psychology for children and exploration of what this means in terms of the social perspective.

Also in this module we look athow children are reared and common practices, legislation and influences which shape this process. What are the influences that parents bring to bear during this process, and what are the long term effects of this?

Today’s childhood experience is unique in terms of expectations, opportunity and social perspectives. The module looks at the experience of the modern child from an holistic viewpoint and asks ‘what is that experience’?

Module 3: Child development part 1

Child development begins before birth and the influences that prenatal experience has on the child cannot be underestimated. In this module we look at genetic inheritance and how this shapes the child in terms of personality. What are the external influences on prenatal development and how do these influence the developing child?

The nature nurture debate is explored and the possible effects on child development discussed. Finally the link between these aspects of child development and child psychology are explored.

Module 4: Child development part 2

Childbirth has psychological implications for both the child and mother; these are explored.

The module then looks at newborn perceptions and the following questions;

• How does an infant make sense of their world and what influences this process
• What abilities are innate and which are learned?
• How does experience influence development?

Both these modules (3 and 4) will include supporting physiology where necessary.

Module 5: How do children form relationships?

Forming relationships is key to our survival; therefore how we form these relationships influences our lives. In this module the process of relationship building is discussed, together with how attachments are formed. There will be some considerable theory presented but the main theorist used will be Bowlby and his Theory of Attachment.

Family systems are an important part of relationship formation and development of social skills. This concept is explored and implications discussed.

From relationships peer groups are formed and socialisation begins. We look at how this happens and discuss the processes underpinning each stage.

Module 6: The minds of children

Building on module 5 we explore how children process information, how they conceptualise and look at memory processes in the developing child.

This will involve examining and critiques theories of cognition and learning, and then relating them to previous material presented.

Module 7: Emotional development in children

Emotional development is an important process and one which can be shaped and influenced by many factors including biological, peer, familial and not least by direct and indirect experience.

During the development of emotions children also develop the ‘self’. In this module we look at the notion of the self, what it is and how does it help to shape the person that children will become.

Within this module there will be some critical evaluation of theory.

Module 8: Cognitive development

Within this module we will concentrate on the theories of tow people. The first will be Piaget (left) and his stages of development. The second will be Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development (below right).

The rationale for concentration on these tow theorists is that the subject of cognition is huge and beyond the scope of this course in great detail; therefore to concentrate on two different theories will give students an overview of perhaps the most well known theories of cognitive development and these can be used as a stepping stone to further study if desired.

Module 9: Language development

Language in the spoken form is perhaps the most important method of communication we have as human beings. There are other forms of communication and we will touch briefly on these too to give a parity and equity to the discussion. We will also consider the diversity of language within society today and briefly discuss its implications on child development and child psychology.

In this module the mechanisms of language development are explored and discussed, together with how children acquire language.

This leads naturally onto communication through language and behavioural concepts which are related to social interaction.

Module 10: The adolescent child

Children are children until they are adults, but when is this, and what are the processes which precede adulthood?

In this module we look at the physical and psychological aspects of adolescence including gender awareness, the consequences of puberty and the influences these changes have on individuality and the emerging adult.

Issues of self-esteem, confidence and self-worth are very important during this phase of child development in terms of physical and psychological changes. We explore these and look at the consequential possibilities such as aggression, shyness, peer pressure and relationships.