10 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
Principles of Human Development
There is a lot known about the way humans grow and change over time. At the
same time, there is a lot that is unknown. Over the years, what people know con-
tinues to change. For example, the way society views children changes throughout
generations. In earlier times, people often believed children were blank slates ready
to be formed by their parents’ intentions. Today, people believe that children learn
through experiences, but have inborn tendencies and abilities, 1-5.
People also view teens differently today than
in previous decades. In the past, people considered
teens to be young adults. There was no transition
period between childhood and adulthood (as people
now believe and term adolescence). Adult responsibili-
ties, including marriage and childbirth, were often
hoisted on young teens.
In the past, people even viewed adulthood
differently. People commonly believed that upon
reaching adulthood, no further development occurs.
Today, tremendous physical, cognitive, and socio-
emotional changes occur throughout adulthood.
These changes are not just seen as aging, but a refin-
ing in many abilities.
Although the details of what people know about
human development will continue to increase, four
basic guidelines can be established. That is, these are
ideas believed to be true about how people develop.
Human development is relatively orderly and takes
place gradually. The ways in which people develop
are interrelated, and among individuals, develop-
ment varies.
Human Development Is Relatively Orderly
Development occurs in an orderly manner. For
example, children learn their alphabet before they
can read. They learn to walk before they run. They
learn to ride a bike before driving a car. Although not
everyone proceeds in exactly the same manner, as
people develop, their abilities build on each other in
an orderly way.
By understanding how people develop, you can make relatively accurate
and useful predictions. Understanding the orderly stages of development helps
you deal with people in a manner that is appropriate to their abilities and under-
standing. You can forecast and make reasonable predictions about people based
on their present and future stages in life.
Human Development Takes Place Gradually
While some changes occur within minutes, most changes take weeks,
months, or years to complete. Consider height as an example. The physical
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1-5
Reading is a taught skill, but this
child’s curiosity and tendency toward
learning is innate.