Chapter 1 An Introduction to Lifespan Development 17
Checkpoint
1. Make a list of some of your own personal characteristics and describe
whether the traits are a result of nature or nurture.
2. Defi ne the terms continuity and discontinuity.
3. Compare and contrast pedagogy and andragogy.
4. What are you learning through pedagogy? What are you learning through
andragogy?
Why Study Human
Development?
There are many reasons to study
human development. You interact with
people daily in your family, school,
job, and recreation. Studying human
development gives insight into what to
expect of the people in your life based
on their stage of development. This
understanding may enhance relation-
ships as you work with children, other
teens, and adults at different stages of
life. You will be better able to appreci-
ate and relate to people at different
stages of development, 1-12. You will
have more insight into your own life
both now and in the future. Knowing
more about your own stage of life may
motivate you to consider choices you
make that will affect your life.
Checkpoint
1. How will studying human development help you as you interact with
people daily?
2. How will studying human development enhance your relationships with others?
3. How can studying human development affect your life?
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1-12
Understanding different stages in lifespan
development can help you connect with other
people.