PSYC 241 Adult Development

Teaching and Learning Approach

The on-campus version of this course will be delivered at Selkirk College, Castlegar and uses Moodle and Achieve (online textbook). This course introduces concepts and skills in developmental psychology through in-person lectures. They seek to balance teaching approaches that are: Student-centred (focusing on the learners and learning abilities, to create opportunities that promote student success) Experiential (respecting and building on knowledge and values from the students' lives and communities), and Designed to equip students for further university studies and careers related to child development. The Instructor sets up and facilitates learning opportunities by introducing topics, starting discussions, providing illustrations, encouraging student comments, seeking student perspectives, and by asking and answering Students enrich the class and their own learning by having read scheduled texts before classes, and by asking questions and offering examples based on their reading and personal experiences. Students are encouraged to be open-minded and consider values of cultures different than their own. Students are expected to take notes during class, and to study their notes and texts to prepare for scheduled tests. Students can estimate up to six hours of study outside of class each week. Academic article assignments familiarize students with tools to search for and understand published research on child development, a key skill for further university studies and ongoing professional engagement with knowledge in the field. Online textbook assignments provide opportunities to reinforce the learning of concepts and critical thinking introduced in the readings and lectures. NOTE: Given the current COVID 19 situation, if the Provincial Health Officer requires that the campus be closed for any period of the semester this course will switch to an online/ hybrid format.

Learning Resources

Required: Belsky, J (2022) Experiencing the Lifespan, 6th edition. New York: Worth Publishers Belsky, J (2022) Achieve. New York: Worth Publishers (online study guide)