Students will be expected to engage in a naturalistic observation of
one of the stages of the lifespan to gain a first-hand view of the
developmental issues and milestones encountered during this stage. You
have the following two options for this assignment:
Option 1:
Observe infants, toddlers, school-aged children, or adolescents. This
could be done in a daycare setting, in school, in church, or even in a
public place such as at the playground. Note the child’s biological,
cognitive, and psychological development using the theories and
information outlined in your text. If possible, also pay attention to
how the child interacts with other children and any interaction between
the child and caregivers. Consider what social and cultural factors
appear to be impacting the child’s development. Identify challenges in
development for your observed age group. You need to spend enough time
in your observations to be able to understand the points outlined above.
Option 2:
Interview someone currently in late adulthood about their life; allow
him or her to share the story of their family, faith, career and
memories with you. Note information about this person’s physical,
cognitive, and psychological health. What major events seemed to shape
his or her development? Does this person seem to express Ego Integrity
or Despair according to Erikson? In what ways has this person coped with
loss? What role has religion played in his or her life?
Part 2: Reflective Journal
The paper for this assignment will be a written description of your
observations. Although the journal should report your personal
experiences, impressions, and emotional reactions to your experience, it
should also clearly integrate specific concepts from the text and from
research, and should be written in an academic style of language, rather
than a conversational or informal style. You are expected to reference a
minimum of 2 scholarly sources in your journal.
The journal should be 3-5 pages (in addition to a cover and reference page), should be in proper APA format