discussion

Responses to classmates must include at least two (2) substantive peer interactions (i.e. reply to one or more posts by a classmates using 100 or more words (worth 5 points each, up to 10 points total) in which you offer your own insight or ask probing questions) and posted no later than Saturday by 11:59 p.m.. No responses can be posted to the discussion board once it closes.

1. All three posts must take place on separate days.

Any post that is completed on the same day as another post will not count towards your required posts for the discussion board.

1. Discussion posts that are completed within the first 7 days of the 14 day period (with no point deduction) will be assessed extra credit points (1 point per 3-post completed discussion for a total of up to 5 extra credit points).
2. Any post that does not include the declaration statement will not be accepted for a grade. 
3. Word count does not include the declaration statement or topic/question re-stated. 
4. Each assignment submitted must include the following statement either before the response to the topic, after the response, or in the submission box (for assignments that are submitted in assignment dropboxes) and not doing so will result in your assignment not being accepted for a grade:”I declare that this assignment is my own work and that I have correctly acknowledged the work of others. This assignment is in accordance with University and School guidance on good academic conduct (and how to avoid plagiarism and other assessment irregularities).”

Choose one of the following:

1. 1. How can we conceptualize development? Is it the unfolding of a predetermined destiny or the creation of a unique being starting off with a blank slate? Before beginning any of the readings, how have you conceptualized the growth and learning of a child? If you have children, how does this impact your perspective of development?

2. Describe the interdisciplinary nature of the study of child development.  Why is it important to look at the different domains of development, and the different influences on development in a coherent way?

1. 3. Epigenetic research shows that environmental factors can affect the genetic make up of an individual, as well as their progeny.  How does this research support or contradict any of the 5 developmental theories presented in Chapter 2?  
2. 4. With the plethora of information available to new mothers, it is often difficult to know if one is making the best choices for her child.  How important are decisions like breastfeeding and vaccinating to a child’s development? We tend to see many examples of people who “turned out alright” even though their parents made certain decisions in early development.  Does this mean that these things don’t matter? What else is at play?
3. 5. Why is it difficult to identify the potential harm to a baby caused by drug use during pregnancy? How are researchers limited in their ability to parse out the effects of a variety of sources of influence on the developing fetus?
4. 6. Early intervention is a now widely accepted method of altering developmental trajectories such that young children at risk for developmental delays can potential eliminate or reduce those risks.  What are some important milestones that should be targeted in an early intervention program? Can all milestones be taught, or does development simply unfold as the infant grows up?