Biological Theory Powerpoint
BIOLOGICAL THEORY
SHANNON & SAM
BIOLOGICAL THEORY
(ARNOLD GESELL)
The Biological (Maturational Theory) of child development was developed by a man named Arnold
Gesell. Gesell’s theory was shaped by the expectations that development is based in biology, children alternate between good and bad years in development, and that body types share a connection with personality development. The Maturational
Theory focuses on physical and mental development, and Gesell saw these developmental patterns being determined by a child’s heredity.
Gesell’s observations of children allowed him to describe developmental milestones in ten major areas:
- personal hygiene
- emotional expression
- fears and dreams
- self and sex
- interpersonal relations
- play and pastimes
- school life
- ethical sense
- philosophic outlook
- motor characteristics
Gesell’s training in physiology and his focus on developmental milestones led him to become a strong supporter of the “maturational” perspective of child development. That is, he believed that child development occurs according to a predetermined, naturally unfolding plan of growth. Gesell’s most notable achievement was his contribution to the “normative” approach to studying children.
In this approach, psychologists observed large numbers of children of various ages and determined the typical age, or
“norms,” for which most children achieved various developmental milestones.
(http://schoolworkhelper.net/growth-and-development-theory-arnold-gesell-1880-%E2%80%93-1961 /)
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Gesell’s observation included children of various ages rather than just on age which helped to determine certain developmental milestones.
Weaknesses
Gesell’s theory ignores a child’s emotional development almost completely.
-
Gesell is criticised for not taking account education within his theory. Gesell never comments directly on education, only environment. -
Gesell's model does not bridge the gap between adolescence
and
SHANNON & SAM
BIOLOGICAL THEORY
(ARNOLD GESELL)
The Biological (Maturational Theory) of child development was developed by a man named Arnold
Gesell. Gesell’s theory was shaped by the expectations that development is based in biology, children alternate between good and bad years in development, and that body types share a connection with personality development. The Maturational
Theory focuses on physical and mental development, and Gesell saw these developmental patterns being determined by a child’s heredity.
Gesell’s observations of children allowed him to describe developmental milestones in ten major areas:
- personal hygiene
- emotional expression
- fears and dreams
- self and sex
- interpersonal relations
- play and pastimes
- school life
- ethical sense
- philosophic outlook
- motor characteristics
Gesell’s training in physiology and his focus on developmental milestones led him to become a strong supporter of the “maturational” perspective of child development. That is, he believed that child development occurs according to a predetermined, naturally unfolding plan of growth. Gesell’s most notable achievement was his contribution to the “normative” approach to studying children.
In this approach, psychologists observed large numbers of children of various ages and determined the typical age, or
“norms,” for which most children achieved various developmental milestones.
(http://schoolworkhelper.net/growth-and-development-theory-arnold-gesell-1880-%E2%80%93-1961 /)
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Gesell’s observation included children of various ages rather than just on age which helped to determine certain developmental milestones.
Weaknesses
Gesell’s theory ignores a child’s emotional development almost completely.
-
Gesell is criticised for not taking account education within his theory. Gesell never comments directly on education, only environment. -
Gesell's model does not bridge the gap between adolescence
and