IPD 2

Nature of Man

EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (IPD)
Date : 26/01/2007
Time : 10.00 – 11.30
Venue : DKA
Topic : Nature of Man

This chapter discusses about growth and development of children. There are several stages of growth and development from physical, cognitive and moral aspects from the perspective of notable scholars in this field.

Basically the most significant aspects covered in this chapter are the dual concepts of the nature of man namely human needs and human potentials. Nature of man can be viewed as the innate qualities of man that comprise his characteristics such is the behavior, capabilities, hidden talents and potentials.

Discussing about human potential, it includes all hidden talents, abilities and capabilities of man. Man’s potentials are about things that yet to be discovered. In order to make use of all the “inactive” talents, we have to first recognize, identify and lastly to develop the abilities to the utmost achievement. In order to understand our own feelings as well as others, we can follow a set of skills as information to guide our thinking and action. All the traits can be concluded into one word that is empathy. Meaning that we are able to understand other’s feeling by putting ourselves in their shoes.

This chapter in some ways has given me an idea of the growth and development of children beginning from their birth to the age of 16. (Four periods of development – Gessel). In certain ages, children have to undergo various kinds of periods in their development.

On the other hand, Havighurst views that life has to be undergone up to six periods from the infancy to the later life. Jean Piaget, a Swiss biologist and psychologist, renowned for constructing a highly influential model of child development and learning. His theory is based on the idea that the developing child builds cognitive structures.

Piaget identifies four stages of cognitive development which are; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operations and formal operations periods. There are lots more theories of children growth and development, but I am most interested in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development in which there are three main levels consisting of two stages each in child’s development. These levels represent different perspectives individuals can take while overcoming their problems and dilemmas. It is somehow important for us to know all the levels and stages of child’s development.

Be it from Piaget, Kahlberg, Havighurst and so forth. Even though they have quite different perspectives in children growth, but they somehow give the learners of children is like when they are at certain ages. When we get the picture that children of this age are like this and like that, it some ways give pictures on how they should be treated and so on.

The copies of notes given on human needs are not quite sufficient because the chapter focuses much on human potentials. There are no further details on its concepts, types and related theories. Most probably it is not so important but somehow it gives us a task to find out about it on our own.