CHLD 252: Introduction to Child Development

Course Description

This is a broad-based introductory lecture course that surveys child development from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective. Multiple theoretical and practical aspects of development are presented and examined within a multicultural context. Development from birth through emerging adulthood is explored in three primary areas, or domains: physical, cognitive, and social emotional. This is not a course on parenting or how to properly raise a child, although there is considerable discussion of concepts relevant to this. Instead, the course is concerned primarily with historical and contemporary scientific theory and research on human development from conception through adolescence. This includes specific biological and environmental influences on development, addressing the longstanding debate of whether nature or nurture has the more powerful influence on human development. Additionally, the psychological and socio-cultural influences on development will be considered. Finally, diversity issues around children’s identity, language development, inequity, access, and family patterns and practices are explored with an emphasis on identifying and challenging biases.

Course Design & Modality

My section of this course is taught online and asynchronously

Students are expected to engage with the eBook that includes raising a virtual child simultaneously with the chronological text. They are also tasked with activities/ assignments that replicate what would be happening in the classroom.

Students engage in weekly learning modules.
Weekly content correlates to text (which moves through development chronologically).
Course design is based on the foundations of child development, as well as diversity of student experiences.

Student Engagement

This section is in a fully online, asynchronous format and does not have scheduled meeting days and times. Students complete course activities and assignments and is based on the philosophy that active engagement with the material fosters quality learning. Participation is crucial to the learning process and demonstrates respect for their fellow students. Students are encouraged to think about (rather than simply memorize) the concepts and issues presented in class in order to integrate and synthesize the information. This is done with discussions, activities and opportunities to reflect on their past experiences and all factors that have influences who they are today.

Assessment of Student Learning

Exams (300 points): Three 100-point non-cumulative exams will be completed. Dates are noted in the class schedule. These exams will consist of 50 multiple choice/matching/fill in questions drawn from the text & Blackboard activities. The use of books, notes and other class materials is acceptable and encouraged; however, these will be timed (75 minutes) and students must be prepared (e.g., completed readings and have studied) in order to finish within the time constraints. Students also must complete exams by themselves, without help from peers. Any unauthorized collaboration with peers on exams will count as academic dishonesty and result in students involved receiving a 0 on the exam.

REVEL Activities (100 points): This fully mobile online resource will contain readings and chapter quizzes. Completion of activities online will result in points on REVEL. These points will be translated into a percentage (e.g., if you earn 85% of the points on REVEL, this will translate into 85 points toward your course grade). Due dates are listed in the course schedule. Please note that REVEL activities will be accepted late without any penalty up until specific dates listed (and highlighted) on the schedule. After these specific dates, REVEL activities cannot be completed for any points. Chapter 1-4 activities will be accepted until the day of Exam 1, Chapter 5-8 activities will be accepted until the day of Exam 2, and Chapter 9-12 activities will be accepted until the day of Exam 3.

MyVirtualChild Activities (60 points): Through the MyVirtualChild online platform, you will explore issues related to child development by raising a virtual child. At three points throughout the course, you will be expected to have raised your child to a certain age and complete reflection essay questions (available via Bb). A typed, double-spaced, copy will be submitted via Blackboard. It is expected these responses will be ~2 pages in length. Write a reflection essay answering the prompt on Bb and turn it in via TurnItIn before deadline.

Various Blackboard Assignments (375 points): Since we do not meet in person, there will be assignments in Blackboard that will take the place of lectures and in class time. Some are videos, some build on the text, some are discussions…be sure to check the folder weekly for your assignments. They are due at the end of each week and correspond directly with the week’s topic.

Technology & Access

Pronto is encouraged; Zoom is required
Course is remediated through OATs and accessible to all students
All videos are closed captioned, including personal weekly intro videos
No special software is currently used, but I am open to new ideas!

Accessibility & UDL

the move to Canvas will be a big piece of this work; some items in Bb have become clunky and archaic
some items are dictated by me to offer a different medium for content consumption
students write for the majority of the class, so I will be infusing more multimedia opportunities as I transition to Canvas
LOVE OATs and all of the work that they do to support accessibility!
all assignments (as I move them to Canvas over the summer) will be looked at with a UDL lens.

Go Virtual Course Design

This is an area that I have been exploring specific to our textbook; so many of the texts lack diversity in their authorship. I will be bringing this topic up with the lead on this course

visuals in this course represent all types of people, families and relationships
pronouns are important and gender neutral
assignments/activities focused on equity and diversity throughout the course; students are encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences and validated through personal comments in assignments
students are CELEBRATED in all of their spectacular authenticity 💖

Training in Course Design

I LOVE TLP and FDEV for all of the amazing training opportunities they have provided! I have participated in:

AeL (twice)
QLT workshops
GO Virtual
Diversity Academy
MANY TLP trainings
Civic Engagement Institute

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