Developmental Theorists

There are many psychological perspectives that are in current settings. During this essay I will discuss two main developmental perspectives and how it helps us understand children’s behaviour. The two theories I will analyse is Pavlov’s Behaviourist theory and Bandura’s Social Learning theory which are two influential theories that are used in education settings. I will also use examples from where I have seen these theories carried out in my experience of different settings.

Bandura’s Social Learning theory is an influential theory of development and learning of the children, he believed in reinforcement. He also argued that people were able to learn new information and behaviours by watching other, this he called the social element. Bandura was very strong about the way he thought, and said that we could learn by observing others. An example of this I have seen in my work placement is a baby observing a peer climbing on the climbing frame, and the baby goes a copies what he has just seen, this shows he has observed someone doing it and copied what they done. Children imitate what they see, if they see an adult or another peer doing something they will copy.
“Children imitate behaviour that they see around them: talking on a phone, body language … smoking, violence, so making sure that you’re setting a good example is very important.”

In society children are surrounded by several influential role model, for example their parents, teachers, friends. These people are very important to make sure they are setting a good example for the children and must provide a good example of masculine or feminine behaviour so the children can observe and imitate the good behaviour. Children pay a lot of attention to what others so, and are more than likely to imitate the behaviour thy have observed. Children sometimes imitate things that are not appropriate because they might not know what is right and wrong.

“Adults working with children should be aware of the fact...