Lecture 3 M4(24/6/2021) Review Questions.

1. In actively constructing their world, children use schemas. Explain what is schemas?

A schema is like a set of instructions. Schemas are described as patterns of repeated behaviour which
allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. The
repetitive actions of schematic play allows children to construct meaning in what they are doing. Example of schema
play is especially noticeable in toddlers such as bashing, banging, pushing, and pulling. In their mind they will ponder
questions like what this thing does, what happens if I drop it, will it break if I hit it, or what if I hit it again. Children
wants the answers to all of their questions and will persevere until they have them. They are trying to make sense of
the world, one action at a time as learning itself happens in stages. As children grow, they will progress to higher
levels. In theory the number of schemas are limitless, but mostly focus on eight schemas which are Connecting,
Orientation, Transporting, Trajectory, Positioning, Enveloping, Enclosing and Rotation.

2. Briefly explain what are Biological and Environmental Influences on language?

In brief, biological influences on language can be explained by referring to the fact that children all over
the world will biologically reach language milestones at about the same age despite vast differences in their
environmental experiences. In learning language, biology and experience interact with each other’s to produce
language development and no children anywhere learn language in a social vacuum. Environmental influences on
language is when a children will have the benefits when parents and teachers are actively engage them in
conversation such as asking questions and talk with them, not just to them. Language and communication skills
can also be described as a substantial component of verbal participation particularly in the primary classroom.

3. Erikson believed that personality develops through eight stages or critical periods of life. Describe what
happen in Stages 4 Industry versus Inferiority and Stages 5 Identity versus Role Confusion?

According to Erikson’s Industry vs. Inferiority theory, people progress through a series of stages as they
develop and grow. It focus on social-emotional factors that influence an individual's psychological growth and
psychosocial crisis. In his theory, if children and adults succeed in navigating this stage, they are able to develop a
meaningful social role to give back to society. They will become industrious as in productive and contributing
members to society as a whole. If they do not succeed at this stage, they may develop low self-esteem,
culminating in a sense of inferiority as in viewing themselves as unproductive and possibly not fully useful
members of society. Factors that contribute to overall success at this point is closely related to the expansion of
social world (school, new friendships, caregivers, family members and etc.). Children who are encouraged and
commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their abilities. Those who receive
little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt their ability to be successful. According to
Erikson, this stage is vital in developing self-confidence so it is important for both parents and teachers to offer
support and encouragement. However, adults should be careful not to equate achievement with acceptance and
love as children who are overpraised, on the other hand, might develop a sense of arrogance. Imagine two children
in the same 4th-grade class. Fatimah finds science lessons difficult, but her parents are willing to help her each night
with her homework. She also asks the teacher for help and starts to receive encouragement and praise for her
efforts. Halim also struggles with science, but his parents are uninterested in assisting him with his nightly
homework. He feels bad about the poor grades he receives on his science assignments but is not sure what to do
about the situation. His teacher is critical of his work but does not offer any extra assistance or advice. Eventually,
Jack just gives up, and his grades become even worse. While both children struggled with this aspect of school,
Fatimah received the support and encouragement she needed to overcome these difficulties and still build a sense of
mastery. Halim, however, lacked the social and emotional encouragement he needed. In this area, Fatimah will likely
develop a sense of industry where Halim will be left with feelings of inferiority.
 According to Erikson’s Identity and Role Confusion theory, during this stage adolescents need to develop a
sense of self and personal identity. Various factors contribute to a person identity such as friends, family, social
groups, schoolmates, societal trends and popular culture. During this stage, the conflict is centred on developing a
personal identity. Erikson defines identity as a “fundamental organizing principal which develops constantly
throughout the lifespan.” Success leads to an ability to stay true to oneself while failure leads to role confusion and
a weak sense of self. Identity also involves the experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories that make
up a person's subjective sense of self. As they seek to establish a sense of self, people may experiment with different
roles, activities, and behaviours and this is important to the process of forming a strong identity and developing a
sense of direction in life. Identity provides self-sameness (a sense of continuity within the self and in interaction with
others), uniqueness (a frame to differentiate between self and in interaction with others) and psychosocial
development (mental and physical health for adolescents). Being unsure of who you are and where you fit, drifting
from one job or relationship to another and feeling disappointed and confused about your place in life are some
results of role confusion. Without doubt, role confusion can have lasting consequences on a person's life, including
difficulties with commitment, worse mental health and well-being, and weak sense of self. Role confusion also make
it difficult to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Some steps to decrease role confusion are by building
and identifying on your strengths and values, try new things to discover what you like (self-compassion), make
commitments and set goals, and participate in activities that are related to your interests.