QUESTION 1
a) – All intake organisms follow the same series of phases, or stages, in their development (eg: all physically normal children manifest the three phases of sitting, walking and running in their development)
Each phase is qualitatively (or structurally) unique and different from the other phases. (walking differs qualitatively from sitting, and running differs qualitatively from walking)
The phases represent a logical progression in development in that each phase is more complex than the one preceding it and leads to an integration of the previous phases. ( the potential to walk rest on the fact that the child has learned to sit; the more complex skills involved in running are based on the fact that he has learned to walk.
No two children develop at the same pace. All children must sit before they can walk, but precisely when a individual child begins to sit and walk differs from one child to another.
Pg 10
b) Observation is a very important tool to assess young learners reason being:
Communication – you can see how the child expresses himself and how does he understand what is being said. Is the learner able to verbalise there thoughts. Is there any problems in the way he communicates? Is cause and effect confused. Can be an indication of milieu handicap.
Physical condition and mental state of health – Does the learner have any signs such as malnutrion, abuse, anorexia, epilepsy, chronic state of illeness.
Interpersonal relationships – you can learn a lot about learner when you observe there interpersonal relationships you can see if the learner has leadership qualities or not . Is the learner accepted in the group. Who are the learners friends. How does the learner adapt to changes. Are there indications of problems with relationships
Responsibility and leadership – with this you can gain valuable information about the learners leadership, self-confidence, self-assertiveness, tolerance, initiative, charisma and