03079 - Developmental Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method and research designs in developmental psychology.

2. Differentiate key concepts and theories within developmental psychology with particular attention to the following fields: motor, communication, language, cognition, emotion and relational skills.

3. Know the phases of psychological development from the first years of life up to adolescence.

4. Illustrate differences among physical, psychological, and social frames of development.

5. Identify the basic psychological needs for developing well-being in infants, children and adolescents.

6. Recognize the complex interactions between risk and protective factors during development.

7. Develop theoretical and methodological competencies to build positive dyadic and group relationships.

8. Know observational tools and methodologies in educational settings.

9. Demonstrate skills in developing educational projects.

10. Use bibliographic sources to update the professional knowledge.

Course contents

Main theoretical approaches:

• Piaget
• Vygotskij
• Bruner
  

Methods:

• Research designs in Developmental Psychology
• Observation

Developmental domains:

• Communication and language
• Emotional and affective development
• Self-consciouness

Different contexts:

• Family
• School and peers
• Culture and new technology

Readings/Bibliography

1. Santrock J. W. (2020). Psicologia dello Sviluppo (quarta ediz.). Milano: McGraw-Hill. Chapters: 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be supplemented by group discussion and short video.

Assessment methods

The exam is written and consists of 4 open-ended questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The final grade will be out of thirty. Each question will be awarded a maximum of 7.5 points. The evaluation of the answers will be based on the following criteria: 1) completeness of the answers; 2) consistency of the answers; 3) ability to personally elaborate the content; 3) appropriateness of vocabulary, spelling, and syntax.

The purpose of the exam is to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:

knowledge of the main reference theories, the methods used in research and educational interventions, the stages of different developmental areas, and developmental contexts.

There are 2 exam sessions per period (Jan/Feb, Jun/Jul, Sep/Oct) and one session in December.

If the exam is not passed, students are allowed to take the next available session

Registration for the exam must be completed through the Almaesami system (https://almaesami.unibo.it).

Teaching tools

The lectures will be supported by the use of Power Point presentations. Short videos related to the topics of the course will be used.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives. If concept maps are used, the maps in the textbook are strongly recommended.

Office hours

See the website of Mariagrazia Zuccarini

See the website of Maria Cristina Matteucci