Theories of Child Development

Abstract

This first background chapter is concerned with child development theories. As a language teacher working with children, you will find that basic understanding of the cognitive, social and emotional development of different age groups will be helpful in teaching, and in planning, implementing and interpreting research. Second language learning in schools or in less formal environments should not be seen as an isolated process but instead as closely intertwined with cognitive development, learning about the world and developing as a person.