This module explores the historical and socio-cultural contexts of childhood and development. Key theories of child development will be covered, including but not limited to Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory. Contemporary research on the multiple and bidirectional influences on children’s development will be considered. In the second part of this module the focus will shift to children’s wellbeing and how psychology theory and research evidence can be applied to improve children’s wellbeing.

Students will complete a workbook in Semester 1. The workbook will consist of two written tasks. In Part 1. Students will demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate a theory of child development, reflecting on the historical and social influences and evaluating research relating to the theory. In the second part of the workbook, students will choose a specific context of child development (e.g., family, school, media, culture) and evaluate contemporary research evidence, showing consideration of the different approaches. This assessment will be worth 50% of the module mark and will assess outcomes 1 to 3.

In Semester 2, students will respond to a case study provided by the module team. This case study will describe a child and some of the issues that they are currently experiencing. In their response students will choose up to three issues to focus on and use psychological theory and research to make suggestions about what could be done to support the child and improve their wellbeing. This assessment will be worth 50% of the module mark and will assess outcomes 3 -5.

Students will also be guided to complete formative tasks and receive formative feedback. These will take the form of pre-lecture tasks, in-class activities and have the opportunity to practice responding to case study type scenarios .

Students will have the opportunity to receive tutor feedback on their plans for their assessments.

Teaching sessions (64 hours) will consist of a combination of interactive lectures, workshops, group facilitation sessions and drop-in sessions. Each session will present theory and research covering a range of developmental theories, research methods, childhood contexts and issues. Guidance for the assessment will be included in the taught sessions.

Guided Independent Study: (336)

Preparing for lecture / workshops

Guided Independent Reading including research (using library and web facilities) into specified topic areas to develop understanding of topics introduced in lectures.

Assessment Preparation

1. Demonstrate in depth knowledge and some critical evaluation of key theories of child development.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate and understanding of the diversity of influences (historical, social and cultural) on key theories of child development

Learning

3. Evaluate and reflect on the use of research and theory addressing key contextual factors (e.g., family, school, media, culture) which affect child development.

Analysis

4. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to intervention.

Problem solving; Enquiry.

5. Apply psychological evidence to make recommendations to improve children's wellbeing.

Application, Communication.

Blackboard VLE

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Essential Reading:

Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2014). The Developing Child. London. Pearson Education

Lansford, J. C., French, L. E., & Gauvain, M. (2021). Child and adolescent development in cultural context. American Psychological Association

MacBlain, S., Dunn, J., & Luke, I. (2017). Contemporary Childhood. London: Sage.

Hunt, K. & Laffan, A. (Eds) (2019). Improving the Psychological Wellbeing of Children and Young People: Effective Prevention and Early Intervention Across Health, Education and Social Care. Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Now that you are at level 5 we are going to tell you how challenging it is to really understand what influences the way a child develops! In this module you will learn about some key theories and methodologies that try and explain the multiple and bidirectional influences (e.g., family, school, media, culture) on a child's development. You will learn that no research study is perfect, but that by using different approaches we can gain vital insight into how children and young people’s development can be supported. In the second part of this module we will specifically focus on children's wellbeing and how psychological evidence can be used to inform strategies and interventions to improve wellbeing.