Week 8: Jones: The Final Word

The final chapter of the LifeSmart book was rather bland in my opinion. Entitled, “Putting It All Together,” I expected it to be more of a concluding, culmination of the book. Rather, it was directed more towards psychology rooted careers, federal funding, and political policies. I understand and agree that lifespan development is a big part of the future of our world. It is important that leaders and voters alike understand the importance and need for appropriate attention and action as it pertains to lifespan development.

As we have learned from completing the LifeSmart text, lifespan development is ever changing, bringing about the need for new theories and policies, while also revising and reviewing established theories. In the Mooney text we get a great second look at the 5 theorists: Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky. We not only see what their theories are, but Mooney gives a little more back story to each theorist, which really helped me understand the why and how some of them arrived at the conclusions that they did.

Having studied these 5 people in Educational Psychology, I did not really come across new information, but rather a fresh review and more concrete understanding their theories and ideas.

            Ultimately, I am glad I had the opportunity to take this course. I support the requirement of this course to all undergraduate college students. This course has definitely given me a fresh outlook on my approach to the students that step into my classroom everyday. As mentioned in this final chapter, it is imperative for many professional professions to understand human lifespan development such as teachers, lawyers, healthcare personnel, human resources, public service employees, etc. These specific professions are expected to service and help other people. It is imperative that individuals in these positions understand the development of human beings in all facets: cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually etc.

 Furthermore, I think it important for all people to have some understanding of human lifespan development. The future of our state, our nation, and our world is in the hands of the youth. To take that a step further, the future of humankind is in the hands of the youth.