CITY OF MALABON UNIVERSITY

Pampano corner Maya-maya St., Longos, Malabon City

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
City of Malabon University – Open University

THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT LEARNERS AND LEARNING PRINCIPLES

This course focuses on child and adolescent development with emphasis on current research and theories
on biological, linguistic, cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions of development. Further, this includes factors
that affect the progress of development of the learners and appropriate pedagogical principles applicable for each
developmental level of the learners. The course also addresses laws, policies, guidelines, and procedures that
provide safe and secure learning environments, and the use of positive and non-violent discipline in the
management of learner behavior.

COURSE OUTCOMES

[1] demonstrate content knowledge and its application within and /or across curriculum teaching areas.
[2] demonstrate an understanding of the different research-based theories related to the broad dimensions of
child and adolescent development and their application to each developmental level of the learners.
[3] demonstrate understanding of pedagogical principles suited to diverse learners’ needs and experiences at
different developmental levels.
[4] demonstrate knowledge of laws, policies, guidelines, and procedures that provide safe and secure learning
environments; and
[5] demonstrate knowledge of positive and non-violent discipline in the management of learner behavior.

MODULE 4 WEEK 2
UNIT 2: BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Overview

As understood in the earlier modules, development in several areas is interconnected independent with
one another. Physical development, however, is crucial among other developments in terms of the contributions
of the biological processes that can permit other developments such as cognitive, social, and moral domains.
This module discusses three areas by which physical development can be understood. It focuses on the
influence of genetic outcomes in the prenatal development. Although those changes that take place in the
prenatal stages will be immediately seen upon birth, subsequent physical development are determined by those
changes. This is followed by the presentation of changes in the physical characteristics of people from childhood
until adolescence stage. It highlighted developmental milestones pertaining to physical change such as muscular
and biological processes. Lastly it tackles the different factors that contribute to the physical development most
especially those that are accounted to environmental factors like prenatal attitude, knowledge, and practices.
Ultimately, these are presented in line with a possible implication to better understand learners, find proper
attributions in their behaviors, and use possible course actions that can improve the learning and teaching of
students and teachers, respectively.

Learning Objectives

In this module, you are expected to:

1. Analyze the biological and environmental factors influencing physical development of child and
adolescent and their implications to teaching and learning.

Key Words and Concepts

Biological, physical, motor development, neuroscience and brain development, biological, physical
development

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Content

A. Biological Beginnings

Depending on the menstrual cycle of a woman, a matured egg cell is released once a month by
one of the ovaries that eventually enters in the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation. this is
the signal of the readiness of a woman of becoming pregnant when a sperm cell has penetrated the
ovulated egg cell. The union of egg and sperm cell is called fertilization and the news cell becomes
the zygote. One of the major activities in this period, aside from traveling to the uterus wall, the
zygote forms a blastocyst. Primarily, its purpose is to become the protective membrane to the
developing cell.

The prenatal stage typically covers 40 weeks or 280 days including the additional two weeks to
account for the last menstrual period and of ovulation. Hence, the average human gestation is from
37 to 41 weeks. Infants that are born earlier than 37 weeks are considered preterm while those that
are born 42 weeks, or more are called post term. Both cases are threats to child's survival, although
recent developments in the use of technology in medical science has drastically increased the rate of
survival.

The zygote is a combination of the 23 chromosomes from each. The chromosomes contain genes
that specifically carry characteristics of an individual. The process of natural selection determines that
inherited characteristic of the child such as physical attributes (color of the eyes, hair, height,
complexion, muscular build) cognitive functioning (intelligence), personality characteristics
(dispositional tendencies), and health conditions (heritable illness and diseases). The characteristics
are particularly carried by genes. These set of genetic characteristics composing the cycle is called
genotype. In the natural selection process, not all genetic characteristics become observable. Instead,
some of those characteristics may either come out later in the adulthood development called
maturation or are not meant to come out at all. Hence, those characteristics that become observable
are called phenotype. The phenotype characteristics are a result of an interaction of the individuals
genotype and one's environment. Those characteristics that are not phenotypic remain dormant
characteristics until such generation that it will come out.

An example of these chromosomes is those that determine the sex of the zygote. The egg come
zones always have an XX combination which basically comes from the mother. The sperm, however,
can either be X or Y (XY combination) that comes from the father. When the X of the mother is
combined with Y of the father, it is expected that the sex of the child is male. Following the same
cycle, men did not lose the X chromosome which makes him, later, capable of having the female child.
This is the same principle that happens in the other heritable characteristics like diabetes. It is possible
that there could be generational gaps in the occurrence of diabetes as it may not become phenotypic
characteristic or that there is a weak push for the environment for it to become observed. If this is
inherited (genotype), it can still be passed on to other generation later.

STAGES OF PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

The development that occurs all throughout the prenatal are divided into 3 substages of
development. These are the germinal stage (fertilization to two weeks), embryonic stage (two weeks
to 8 weeks), and fetal stage (8 weeks to birth). These stages have distinct activities most specially in
the physical development of the organism.

A. Germinal Stage

Approximately three to four days, the zygote travels along the fallopian tube and
eventually implant itself to the uterus wall. The mitosis or cell division permits the development
of blastocyst. Aside from the protective function it serves at this stage, it is also the source in the
development of the amniotic SAC, placenta, and the umbilical cord.

B. Embryonic Stage

The significant development in this stage is the formation of the major organs that
formed the biological systems, such as respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Before the
end of the 8th week, limbs can be identified already that would appear like an underdeveloped
feature. This rapid development of organ is also accompanied by more risk of spontaneous
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 abortion or miscarriage, most specially during the first trimester or the first three months. In the
whole period of pregnancy, this is considered as the most crucial. It develops in an intrauterine
cavity through the amniotic SAC composing of the amniotic fluid. This results to the development
of the umbilical cord and the placenta which supply the nutrients in other hormones that are
necessary during pregnancy.

C. Fetal Stage

Consider the longest in final stage of pregnancy lasting until given birth. Aside from
having all organs to be highly developing, sensors are becoming more functional such as fetus
being able to respond to the heartbeat and voice of the mother while since the olfaction develops
at 14th week. Locomotion can be felt also by the mother most specially when the fetus is
stimulated. Fetus also manifests certain degree of memories specially in the voice of the mother.

B. Physical and Motor Development

THE BODY SYSTEMS

There are two main systems that directly affect the behavior of people. These are the endocrine
system that this in charge in the production of different hormones in the body and the nervous system
that controls the full functioning of the other body systems. In the case of endocrine system, the
under secretion or over secretion of certain hormone can have an immediate, long-term, and short -
term effect on the person. The nervous system, on the other hand, affects the person's behavior
depending on the trajectory of brain development, the main organ end is said system.

A. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The system is composed of glands that are attached to different parts of the body. These glands
secrete hormones directly to the bloodstream. Among these glands are the following:

1. Pituitary gland - which is also called the master gland sense it coordinates the activities
of other glands. This secretes growth hormones that stimulate the growth and
development of body cells. The fact of this is obviously seen in the height of a person.
2. Thyroid gland - which secretes thyroxine that combines the growth and development of
the brain. Hence, deficiency on this hormone can result to mental retardation and other
possible learning problems.
3. Adrenal gland - support sexual motivation. Likewise, it aids in bone and muscular
development.
4. Gonads - Are in the sex organs, testes, and ovaries, that are directly in charge in the
development of reproductive development. The testes are producing testosterone while
ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. The production of these hormones become
more prominent during adolescent stage.

B. NERVOUS SYSTEM

The system is a coordinating system of the body. Its function is necessary in synchronization in
internal and external stimuli and response structure. The nervous system is composed of two
different major systems, the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The
CNS, composing the brain and the spinal cord, controls major activities and make the necessary
behavioral and non-behavioral responses. The PNS it's composed of channels of connections that
receive and send signals from into the CNS and different parts of the body. The interconnection
between them is crucial in terms of providing appropriate and immediate response to any stimulus.
the brain being the main organ of this system functions according to its readiness and development.
After conception, it is still expected that further developments happen in different parts of the brain
such as in the cerebral cortex, the one that controls higher mental processes. Most of the brain
development during this. Is the increase in neural connections called synaptogenesis, that will
eventually facilitate sensory information at around five years old, the brain development is centered
on lateralization, specialization of the hemispheres of the cerebral cortex. It assumes that left
hemispheres become more prominent in processing language information while the right
hemisphere controls more the spinal and creative aspect. Roughly about 90% of the brain at this is
about an adult weight. These changes are expected to continue and to reach the peak of its
development during adolescents. expectedly, it is at this stage that prefrontal lobe will finally achieve
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 its full development. This is the reason why adolescents appear to be impulsive with their actions.
The prefrontal lobe is the specific part of the brain that concerns critical and reflexive mental
processing. The next stage that the brain is expected to undergo many changes is during the late
childhood where significant decrease of brain cells take place. Of course, this can affect not only the
mental processing of sensory information but as well as the motor coordination, recalling, organizing,
and maintaining memory information, and other physiological functioning resulting to illnesses. Brain
functioning primarily happens through the different neural connections. With the help of
neurotransmitters, neurons activities can be inhibited and stimulated. The speed of firing responses
between neurons relies on the development of myelin sheath. Among newborn babies, the myelin
sheath is developing end due to its development, automatic responses are observed rather than
voluntary and control behaviors.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS STAGES

A. INFANCY

A newborn typically communicates to the environment through reflexes. These are unlearned
and automatic responses so specific stimulus. Primarily, the function of these reflexes is for
survival given the limited capacity to do so. An example of reflex that has great adaptive value is
the sucking reflex that sends much information about one's nutritional needs. The changes in the
amount of sucking are relative to the nutritional needs of the newborn. the other reflexes are
grasping, Babinski, Moro, pupillary, and among others. Despite of their importance, some of them
disappear due to the continuous development of the brain. Some stay permanently, like eye
blinking, breathing, and pupillary reflex as they serve continuous adaptive value.

In terms of motor development, it is expected that much of their locomotor activities are
associated with gross motor. These are movements that require the use of large muscles like
walking and running. Eventually, locomotor activities shift to fine motor. This requires the use of
smaller muscles, thus needing the capacity to control it. Writing and coloring need the use of
smaller muscles and they are challenging for early graders to them with do much control needed
to perform them.

B. CHILDHOOD

There are many observed many verbal physical changes among children coming from infancy.
Specifically, they begin gaining control over many of their activities such as having a stable
capability to balance, hence, to walk and run. Their senses are also functioning better than the
previous stage and they begin to realize and utilize their respective functions. The muscular
developments allow them to engage to more complex physical activities and games. This can also
be attributed to the increased proportionality of their head and body having more adult like
structure on the latter age of Childhood.

C. ADOLESCENCE

It is during this. That growth spurt is expected to take place, most specially in the physical domain.
They undergo changes that are both physically obvious and otherwise. Male and female,
however, commence their development not at the same time. Girls begin the growth spurt at
around 10 reaching the peak at 12 while boys at around 13 and peaks at 14. For girls, it is also the
age where menarche is expected to take place, their first menstrual period which further
accelerates the sexual development of girls. Due to sudden increase in the production of
testosterone for boys and estrogen and progesterone for girls, several physical changes take
place significantly. They both develop more mature sexual organs, gain muscle mass, and increase
in their height. More than physical, these changes place adolescents to more psychological issues
such us it shows on self-esteem, body image in relation to self-expression, identity, and
heightened sexual interest.

D. ADULTHOOD

Adult physical development can be both characterized as the peak of physical maturation and
physical deterioration. The early adulthood stage primarily focused on strengthened physical
capabilities, most specially during the early 20s while wait seemed to decline during the early 60s.
This is due to the declining capacity of the various systems of the body to sustain engagement to
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 physical activities. Unfortunately, they begin to experience many illnesses related to physical
deterioration. Due to the sex related hormones secreted during adolescence, early adulthood
stage become more sexually active than ever. The quality of sperm and egg cells are also
produced in this period of adulthood. Women, however, on the middle years of adulthood may
experience menopause which ends the menstrual period. This may have much implications to
the hormonal balance that menstrual period brings in the body of women, such as in controlling
one's emotions, although men do not experience menopause, their ability to becoming a father
may decrease due to the less active sperm cells.

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Assessments and Evaluations

Test I. Directions: Provide the answers to the given questions:

1. How important are parental traits in the development of children?

2. How do genetic processes influence the development of the following in a person?
a. Personality
b. Intelligence
c. Talents and abilities
3. Knowing what you have learned how do you think would knowledge of hereditary influences affect
the teaching and learning process?

Test II. To further understand the physical development and its effect to human behavior perform the following
tasks:

TASK 1: Endocrine System Matrix

Complete the table below that summarizes the endocrine system.

FUNCTION TO RESULT OF OVER RESULT OF UNDER

GLANDS LOCATION HORMONES
BEHAVIOR SECRETION SECRETION

Test III. Answer the following questions for self-reflection.

1. How important it is to understand students biological process to ensure better learning?

2. What types of support systems should be formulated to ensure that learning is supported by addressing
a student's biological needs?
3. Provide examples of how you as a future teacher can facilitate learning by understanding the different
biological processes?
4. How would parents’ belief affect their children's physical development give examples.
5. In what ways would the communities believes affect parental attitudes towards child rearing?
6. As a teacher, how would you address parental beliefs in physical development that may prove to be an
ethical and unhealthy? Provides scenarios.

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Summary and Reflection

One of the most evident changes that happen in an individual to development is the physical aspect.
While environment plays a significant role in one's physical development, most of the observable changes seeking
place can be sourced from process of genetic unfolding period since this area of development covers both internal
and external changes, it is expected that some of them can be noticeable while some may unfold without noticing
it. The physical changes in the late adulthood are obvious since one of the central developments in that stage is
the change in the physical features of a person. Likewise, there could be physical developments, at a certain time,
show rapid manifestation of changes. This happens most specially during adolescent stage where internal and
external changes happen within a short period of time

In some instances, physical development serves as indicators for the readiness for social, moral, and other
developments. Whether this is social norm or not physical change allow people to have transition from one stage
of development to the other. consequently, this also serves as the basis or source of expectations from other
people and how one should behave. When it comes to the adolescent’s full sexual development, expect them to
become more physically conscious, especially when it comes to clothing trends. In the same manner, people may
develop a negative attitude toward approaching late adulthood due to physical limitations one may have when
that stage has arrived

References:

Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles

Brenda B. Corpuz PHD
Ma. Rita D. Lucas PHD
Heidi Grace L. Borabo PHD
Paz I. Lucido PHD

The Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles

Teresita T. Rungduin PHD
Darwin C. Runguin M.A.

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