I believe in creating meaningful assignments that will resonate with my students growth and understanding of the socialization process. Each key assignment is scaffolded in a way to help create a vast understanding of socialization, and to help students better serve the children and families they work with.
Out-of-School-Program-Evaluation Assignment: The Out-of-School-Program Evaluation assignment is essential for understanding how developmental theory applies to real-world settings. Through the analysis of child observations and interviews (SLO 1), students gain valuable insights into the practical application of theoretical concepts. Additionally, the assignment evaluates how school-age programs address the developmental needs of children in middle childhood and adolescence (SLO 2). This comprehensive evaluation fosters critical thinking and equips students with the skills to assess and improve programs that support children's growth and well-being.
Case Study: In the case study assignment, students will evaluate Nathaniel's circumstances as a foster child who has experienced abuse, exploring the multifaceted impact of trauma on his development. This assignment challenges students to apply trauma-informed principles by analyzing Nathaniel's experiences and identifying strategies to support his emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Through practical application, students will develop skills to create individualized interventions and understand how to address the unique needs of children facing similar challenges in real-life settings. This hands-on approach bridges theory and practice, preparing students to make meaningful contributions in their professional roles
Developmental Theorists Presentation: The Developmental Theorists Presentation assignment challenges students to apply developmental theories to real-world scenarios by analyzing child observations, surveys, or interviews using investigative research methodologies. Students will explore and describe major developmental milestones in middle childhood through adolescence, focusing on physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and language development. This assignment allows students to connect theoretical concepts to practical applications, fostering a deeper understanding of how developmental theories explain children's growth and changes over time. By engaging in this research-based activity, students gain critical insight into the complexity of child development and enhance their analytical and presentation skills.