Instruction
Description:
Students will write 7 DSPs, one for each of the stages of development we will study. Each DSP will be based on a live observation and will examine physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. Students will have the opportunity to practice making service recommendations based on the developmental prognosis of the individual that is observed. Detailed instructions for writing DSPs are provided as part of this syllabus.
Instructions:
Conduct a 30-45 minute live observation of a person in the developmental stage of interest. In addition to conducting an observation, you may also choose to interview the person in the developmental stage of interest or the persons guardian. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
Only use first names or pseudonyms in your paper.
Do not observe someone who is related to you.
If directly interacting with a minor in any way, obtain the permission of parents or guardians.
Do not attempt to engage in a counseling role this assignment is strictly an observation and/or interview.
Provide a 3-4 page detailed description of the individuals physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development.
In addition, include the following information:
Date, time, location, and length of observation
The age group normal milestones if they met or did not meet them
Age, sex, and race/ethnicity
Defining physical characteristics
Estimated socioeconomic status
Daily routine
Description of other relevant behaviors exhibited during observation
Any other relevant information
Be sure to provide detailed examples from your observation and utilize developmental theory and learning theory to support your observations. Consider the influence of biological and physiological factors, as well as systemic and environmental factors, multicontextual influences development. Provide a developmental prognosis and make recommendations to promote optimal development and wellness. Justify your recommendations with information from the text , recommended readings, and/or peer reviewed journal articles.
Note: Do not share a developmental prognosis or service recommendations with the individual who is observed or his/her caregivers. This information is for class purposes only. Also keep in mind that the more familiar you are with the relevant developmental theories for an age range, the more you will know about what is salient during your observation.
Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e. APA); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.