Theories of Development and Learning
PostgraduateCUR-MTPS5002025
Gain a broad overview of typical and atypical development from birth to adolescence. Explore the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains via the behaviourism, humanism, cognitivism and constructivism theoretical perspectives.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $2,735
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Theories of Development and Learning
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- explain and analyse how physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and individual characteristics of students across different chronological age groups may affect development and learning
- appraise established theoretical perspectives of child and adolescent development which explain patterns of maturation and learning, and the implications of these for teaching and learning
- critically reflect on the impact of interactions between the child/adolescent and their caregivers, within both home and educational environments, to identify effective methods for supporting students and families from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds
- develop effective classroom intervention strategies based on established theoretical perspectives, and on the appraisal of typical and atypical patterns of child and adolescent development
- demonstrate personal literacy competency to the required accreditation standard
- Human development: physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral
- Theoretical understandings of learning: behavioural, cognitive, humanist
- Motivation and engagement
- Intelligence and diversity of intelligence in learners
- Socio-cultural factors which influence development and learning
- Strategies to support student diversity
Situated in the context of theory and research, this subject provides an overview of typical and atypical development from conception to adulthood across physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. Biological and environmental influences on development are examined. Major theories relating to how learning occurs are examined and appraised. Implications for contemporary educators are explored with a focus on optimising developmental and learning outcomes to support the full participation of a diverse range of learners. In addition to its emphasis on knowing your students and how they learn, this subject focuses on effective engagement and interaction with parents/carers and communities. This subject provides an opportunity to review personal literacy competency.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Report on typical developmental milestones (50%)
- Case study response: Pedgagogical strategies (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 14
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-EDP-GDI-2025 - Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education)
- CUR-MTE-MAS-2025 - Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
- CUR-PRI-MAS-2025 - Master of Teaching (Primary Education)
- CUR-SEC-MAS-2025 - Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)
Elective
- CUR-EDU-GCE-2025 - Graduate Certificate in Education
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Access to Microsoft Office or a unit approved alternative, access to video creation and editing software.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
9 student respondents between 26 May - 17 June 2025.
77%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Education)
PostgraduateCUR-EDP-GDI
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
PostgraduateCUR-MTE-MAS
Master of Teaching (Primary Education)
PostgraduateCUR-PRI-MAS
Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)
PostgraduateCUR-SEC-MAS
Graduate Certificate in Education
PostgraduateCUR-EDU-GCE