Child Observation

Introduction
This assignment is in two parts. The first part of this assignment would attempt to use the theories of human development to explain the child behaviours observed during child observation at the preschool while the second part of this assignment would propose an intervention on a scenario at my practice placement. I would demonstrate my critical understanding of the theories and evaluate their relevance for evidence-informed and value-based practice. I would conclude by articulating my critical appreciation of the use of theory to inform professional social work practice based on my experience from the child observation and my placement experience. The notes taken from the child observations and a chosen case from my placement,

On the Contrary, Erickson (…………….) believed that there were eight stages of human development, he emphasised his development in terms of social and emotional development with each stage associated with social conflict or crisis while Vogotsky (………………) explain the theory of human development using the sociocultural theory. Vygotsky argued that children build their knowledge through social and cultural experiences. One of major criticism of Piaget theory of cognitive development is the use of strict stage time scale for each stage of development. Many researchers in their own opinion agreed that many children abilities overlap. (………………………………….). Consequently, Piaget rigid age-related stages thereby make Piaget’s hypothesis inaccurate. Furthermore, in a study conducted by (Kuhn et al., 1977) suggested that only 30-35% of high school student could achieve Piaget’s (formal operations stage of cognitive development. This implies that Piaget’s idea of one cap fit all was inaccurate, therefore he was criticised for not considering and focusing on individual’s child, because children are individual they achieve intellectual ability at different stages in life. (Gardner…………………. supported this argument) and some may never achieve that cognitive development in the cases of children with learning

Vygotsky argued that the zone is constant changing while Piaget argued that learning is limited by stage or maturation but Vygotsky disagree with this view he argued that learning is not limited by stage or maturation.

What I have learnt from this observation and using this theory to explain my observation is that children thrive in an environment that are predictable and nurturing therefore it is important for caregivers to be trusting, dependable.

One could conclude that learning theory and social learning theory is applicable to different forms of behaviours exhibited from different social class or ethic background. The learning theory has it limitation such as the biological factors affecting the cognitive development of a child however, the theory is useful in understanding how the external environment affect or shape how people behave in the society. As student social worker we are interested in how society operate and it effect on a group and the society. The society in the sense is the