Theories of Development

Instructor Guide

Hour #1

I begin this discussion with an active word-strip game. I put concepts from each theory on wordstrips and divide the class into three or four teams. Each teams gets a color-coded set of wordstrips (colors by team). They then have to run a relay to put the wordstrips on the board under the correct theorist. The first team to get all of their wordstrips up in the correct place wins.

This game is followed by the theory capsules on Piaget and Vygotsky.

Hour #2

After a break, we discuss Erikson and Kohlberg using the PPT. We also discuss any additional questions they may have or concepts that are still unclear.

This discussion is followed by the grade-level lesson plan.

Hour #3

After another break, I assign the webquest. We either go to the computer lab or check out a laptop cart. Students may work on this assignment in small groups or on their own.