Lesson 02: Application of Developmental theories in ECE
Developmental theorists: Sigmund Freud
Biographical note
Sigmund Freud was born in Austria in 1856. He was the founder of the “Psychoanalysis” school of psychology and developed the technique of psychoanalysis. He believed that many of the personality adjustments of adulthood are directly related to experiences of infancy and childhood. Therefore he attached great importance to the early years of life. His emphasis on the experience of childhood had tremendous influence in the study of childhood as a critical period in personality development.
Educational implications of Freud’s theory:
Teachers should provide children with richest opportunities for the development of intellectual capacity.
The overt behaviors of the children have links with the subconscious motivations. This should be kept in mind while punishing or rewarding the child for its unusual behavior.
Observation of children’s play activities is important for studying their behaviors. Anna Freud, daughter of Freud made psychoanalytic treatment of children where she used play, drawing, dreams and day dreams in her treatment of children.
Satisfactory outcomes of the normal development of children during the early years results in the development of normal individuals who are productive, adaptable, cooperative and dependable. This will be possible only if the teachers provide for the creative activities of the children so as to enable them to channelize their raw biological urges.
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