Theories of Development

The study of child growth and development is a rich and varied subject. Child development theories focus on explaining how children grow and change from conception through childhood. Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about child growth and learning.

Why do children behave in certain ways? How can we as educators better understand and support children’s behavior? It is important to study how children develop. An understanding of child development allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth that children experience. This chapter will focus on psychosocial, behaviorist, social cognitive, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, ecological, growth mindset, and multiple intelligence theories and their impact on a child’s development, with an emphasis on strengthening teaching and learning.