In chapter 13 of Lifesmart, it's about putting it all together. Lifespan development in action! Some takeaways from learning about lifespan development are that lifespan development theory can be applied on an everyday basis. This is in effect for all ages during a lifespan. Lastly, the main thing taken away from chapter 13 is that career choices in lifespan development all differ. "Ther are different expectations and qualifications for specific jobs and career paths." (Lifesmart, pages 305-306)
While reading the book Theories of Childhood by Carol Gahart Mooney, I found myself continuing to learn more about these theorists. Each individual has impacted overall lifespan development. After reading up on the five of them, I have more of a connection with Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Piaget because he believes in real-world or life experiences, free time, asking open-ending questions and activities. I believe using those within a classroom is beneficial to students. It's hard to find teachers who use real-world experiences during a class. I relate to Vygotsky also because his theories on observing children closely and planning curriculum accordingly and having a challenging curriculum to stretch students competence. This to me is critical because sometimes teachers can assume or just not put in the work to get to know all of their students. I think watching each student closely can benefit the teachers performance teaching and help adjust to how that student is. He also believes in social interaction in which giving students time to work together in partners or groups. I found that beneficial to me in a classroom setting growing up.
Not saying John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Erik Erikson theories aren't wrong. I just relate and believe more in the other two. What I take away from Dewey is his thought on "It's fun" is not enough. "Dewey believed that when people are engaged in learning something that interested them and is related to their experience, the process of learning is enjoyable." This is very accurate but students must realize that they have to gain knowledge in the subject they struggle in. Go outside the comfort zone. A takeaway from Maria Montessori is her belief on students taking their own competence and responsibility. Students always tend to point their fingers at everyone else besides themselves. Once a student starts to stop pointing their finger at everyone else and start to takes responsibility for him or herself then that student will grow. Finally, Erik Erikson. (Mooney, page 39) This chart gives us a visual to see where a child's strength development is during each stage. The only thing about this chart is that every child is different. Yes, most will be really close in age to make the criteria of the strength development but it may not be fully accurate.
