Child & Adolescent Development & Learning

1. Influencing Factors

1.1. School

1.1.1. Fellow peers teach us how to interact with one another (social skills); teach us pop culture

1.1.2. Taking required courses (ie, English, Math, and Science) teach us what skills/knowledge society values.

1.1.3. Teachers priorities for what and how they teach us

1.2. Home

1.2.1. Parents

1.2.1.1. Shape your religious beliefs, political ideology, philosophies on how society works,

1.2.2. Siblings

1.2.2.1. First set of people similar in age to teach you how to interact with the world, who you identify as, what you value, etc...

1.3. Role Models

1.3.1. Since our society values money/status/fame, we look up to individuals who emulate these factors.

1.4. Media

1.4.1. Influences what we think an "ideal" version of ourselves should be

1.4.1.1. Positive outcome: You affiliate yourself with certain microcultures that you identify with (I.e., LGBTQ+, feminists, etc...)

1.4.1.2. Negative outcome: Unrealistic expectations for achieving "perfection"

1.5. Economic modality

1.5.1. Capitalism drives people to value extroversion and individualism.

1.6. Culture

1.6.1. Provide a framework for how you should function in society.

2. Factors influencing my teaching practices

2.1. Work

2.1.1. Ski Instructor

2.1.2. Spa Hostess (Kids spa)

2.1.3. Private tutor (for student with ASD)

2.1.4. Night school tutorial instructor

2.1.5. Summer camp teacher

2.2. Schooling

2.2.1. Excellent teachers in elementary/highschool

2.2.2. Studying psychology/biology in undergraduate program

2.2.3. Being a loner

2.2.3.1. I want to teach students the value of social connections and genuine friendship

3. My experiences

3.1. Development is multidimensional

3.2. Socialization

3.2.1. Parental upbringing motivated me to pursue teaching (mom is a teacher).

3.2.2. Gender roles

3.2.3. Cultural norms

3.2.4. Citizenship

3.3. Emotional development

3.3.1. Emotional neglect taught me I cannot rely on others.

3.4. Psychological development

3.4.1. Sense of identity: I am nurturing, patient, compassionate, frugal.

3.4.2. Core values: Pursuing realistic goals to maintain work/family balance is key to happiness.

3.4.3. Development of mental health issues; BPD, depression

3.5. Cognitive development

3.5.1. Synaptogenesis occurs when you learn; the neurological basis of learning.

3.5.2. Neuroplasticity: critical time periods for learning fundamental skills (ie, language) are at a young age.

3.5.2.1. My parents fostered my cognitive development even prenatally.

4. My future teaching practices

4.1. Socialization

4.1.1. Gender fluidity, non-conformity is OKAY

4.1.2. Acceptance and "safe space" for LGBTQ+ individuals.

4.1.3. Conducting yourself with empathy, consideration, and patience is a virtue.

4.1.4. Teach students to develop a strong sense of identity so they can pursue future goals with determination, passion, and confidence

4.2. Psychological development

4.2.1. Destigmatize mental health issues; "lend an ear" so students can vent about their personal lives.

4.2.1.1. Provide resources and support when wanted/needed.

4.3. Physical development

4.3.1. Normalize pubescent growth/changes

4.3.1.1. Eliminate sexist prioritization for sex-ed material taught (ie, male-oriented, stigmatization around sex, pregnancy, STIs).

4.4. Cognitive development

4.4.1. Teach neuroplasticity to students so they can value how precious their human brains are; we have so much potential for growth and learning!

4.4.2. Refining study skills will benefit you long-term; self-discipline is a life skill.

4.5. Multi-culturalism

4.5.1. Acceptance of ALL cultures

4.5.1.1. Not only should students develop understanding of multiple cultures, but they should have an appreciation for multiple cultures and the contributions they have made to society.

4.6. Inclusivity

4.6.1. We all have certain privileges, we all lack certain privileges

4.6.1.1. Knowing your advantages/disadvantages in society can foster a sense of community: we all face struggles in life, so we should work towards kindness, and acceptance of other's differences.