Theories of Development and Learning
PostgraduateCUR-MTPS5002021
Course information for 2021 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- 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:
- appraise established theories and research of child development perspectives which explain student patterns of maturation and learning
- explain how physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and individual characteristics of students across different chronological age groups may affect learning
- examine current research to critically analyse the impact and interaction of biological and environmental factors on the development of children and adolescents
- critically reflect on the impact of interactions between the child and their caregivers, within both home and educational environments, on the development of the whole child in order 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 the appraisal of typical and atypical patterns of child physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, using developmental indicators
- analyse educational professionals’ mandated duty of care responsibilities and appropriate interactions with child development services
- 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 unit 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. Implications for contemporary educators are explored with a focus on optimising developmental outcomes from birth through to young adulthood, and across a diverse range of learners. In addition to its emphasis on knowing your students and how they learn, this unit focuses on effective engagement and interaction with parents/carers and maintaining safe school and care environments for children and adolescents. This includes developing awareness of child development services in the community.
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.
- Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development essay (40%)
- Application of theoretical perspectives to case studies (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
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