Childcare resources australia 2021 working as an

© Childcare Resources Australia (2021)
Working as an Educator in a Regulated Children’s Service
70
Theories about child development relate to how children grow, learn and become
adults. There are many different theories on child development and they are very
important as they are the basis of everything we do and say as educators. These theories
are then used to create what is considered the best environments for children to learn
and develop. This is called ‘pedagogy’ (the study of teaching).
Theories into practice!
Here is an example:
You may have heard the phrase , “Spare the rod and spoil the child”. Whilst this phrase
or proverb originally came from the Bible Proverbs 13-24 ( King James Version ), the basic
belief that was held by society in the 1800’s was that children re quired physical
punishment in order to successfully grow into well-adjusted adults. This was backed by
theories which believed that physical punishment was required to impact a child’s
behaviour.
Today for example, we use different behaviour management theories to guide children’s
behaviour – all of which without the use of physical punishment. For example, we believe
that children have the ability to cognitively understand and self-regulate their own
behaviour so as educators we talk to children about why a certain behaviour is
unacceptable and alternative behaviours they could use which respect the rights of
Theory or theories
you believe in.
Influences the
way you interact ,
care and teach
young children
(Pedagogy)
It will influence
EVERYTHING you
do!

© Childcare Resources Australia (2021)
Working as an Educator in a Regulated Children’s Service
71
others. We also don’t hit children as we believe that children imitate actions (Bandura –
Social Learning Theory) and it is important to give them a positive role model to follow.
A theory describes behaviour, explains why behaviour occurs and predicts what may
happen under certain circumstances. A theory should be rigorously tested through
scientific research.
Are theories always right after they have been proven?
No. There are many theories which were once
thought to be correct and later, with the use of
more advanced technology and additional
knowledge, were found to be incorrect. “The Earth
is flat!” is a perfect example of a theory which has
been disproven! Children with disabilities can not
learn. This has also disproven.
Is there more than one theory?
Humans are complex beings. There has yet to be one theory which explains completely
how we grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, linguistically and
spiritually. Instead, there are a range of theories which cover all areas of development.
New theories are being developed every day. In recent times, new technology has
expanded our knowledge of the brain and its functions.