Course: CD60143: Human Developmental Psychology | University of Rwanda

Section outline

General Introduction

Welcome message

Welcome to this module. In this course, we will explore how humans grow and change throughout life. Please participate actively and make connections to real-life situations. I look forward to a productive and engaging learning experience with you.

Module aim

This module aims to equip student-teachers with knowledge and understanding of human development across the lifespan, and to enable them to apply developmental theories, principles, and concepts in designing inclusive and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies that support learners’ academic, social, and emotional growth within the Rwandan context.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Explain key concepts, basic principles, aspects, determinants and major theories of human development.
Critically analyze periods of prenatal and postnatal development.
Apply knowledge of developmental stages to plan age-appropriate learning experiences and support learners’ needs in the classroom.
Use appropriate strategies that respond to key challenges faced by adolescents in Rwandan schools.

Module Facilitators' contacts

S/N	Names	Telephone	Email
1	Mr. Dieudonne TUYISHIME (Team Leader)	0788743891	tuyidodos@yahoo.fr
2	Dr. Joseph KUBWIMANA	0789332108	kujoseph200@yahoo.fr
3	Mr. Ali B. KALEEBA	0788857086	kaleebaa@gmail.com
4	Mrs. Mariane UWAMARIYA	0788580671	umarianne05@gmail.com

Select activity Announcements

Announcements Forum
Select activity Story board

Story board File DOCX

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Select activity Self-introductory forum

Self-introductory forum

Due: Monday, 15 December 2025, 4:12 PM

Select section Unit1: Introduction to human developmental psychology

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Unit1: Introduction to human developmental psychology
Introduction

Human development is a complex and lifelong process involving physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Understanding the key concepts and principles that guide this development helps us appreciate how individuals change and adapt throughout their lives. This unit explores the fundamental aspects of human development and the various factors known as determinants that influence the pace and direction of growth. A clear grasp of these foundational ideas is essential for anyone involved in education as it informs effective support for individuals at every stage of life.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain key concepts related to human development.

Describe the primary domains of human development.

Explain basic principles and determinants of human development
- Select activity E-tivity 1.0 Introduction forum
  
  E-tivity 1.0 Introduction forum
  
  Due: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 9:51 AM
- Select activity Section 1.1 Meaning, scope, key concepts, and principles of human development
  
  Section 1.1 Meaning, scope, key concepts, and principles of human development Book
- Select activity E-tivity 1.1.2 Forum discussion, unit 1, section 1.1
  
  E-tivity 1.1.2 Forum discussion, unit 1, section 1.1
  
  Due: Thursday, 31 December 2026, 10:10 AM
- Select activity E-tivity 1.1.3 Application activity. Unit 1, section 1.1
  
  E-tivity 1.1.3 Application activity. Unit 1, section 1.1 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 1:00 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 1.2.1 Introductory activity. Unit 1, section 1.2
  
  E-tivity 1.2.1 Introductory activity. Unit 1, section 1.2 Forum
  
  Due: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 6:09 PM
- Select activity Section 1.2 Human developmental domains
  
  Section 1.2 Human developmental domains Book
- Select activity E-tivity 1.1.4 Application activity (Unit 1, Section 2.1)
  
  E-tivity 1.1.4 Application activity (Unit 1, Section 2.1) Quiz
  
  Opened: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 6:15 PM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 15 December 2026, 6:15 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 1.3.1 Introductory activity, unit 4, section 1.3
  
  E-tivity 1.3.1 Introductory activity, unit 4, section 1.3 Forum
  
  Due: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 6:54 PM
- Select activity Section 1.3 Determinants of human development
  
  Section 1.3 Determinants of human development Book
- Select activity E-tivity 1.3.2 Application activity, section 1.3, unit 1
  
  E-tivity 1.3.2 Application activity, section 1.3, unit 1 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 6:47 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 1.4 End of unit 1 assignment
  
  E-tivity 1.4 End of unit 1 assignment
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Due: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 12:00 AM
- Select activity E-tivity 1.5 End of Unit 1 assessment
  
  E-tivity 1.5 End of Unit 1 assessment Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 11:59 PM
  
  Dear student, this unit concerns the whole unit 1 content. Read the questions carefully and select the best answer as required in instructions.
- Select activity References
  
  References Page
Select section Unit 2: Theories of human development

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Unit 2: Theories of human development
Introduction

This unit explores major theories that explain how people grow, learn, and develop across their lifespan. It highlights theories of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and language development from key scholars like Gessell, Thelen, Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Bowlby, Ainsworth, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky, such knowledge equips educators with a strong foundation to effectively support learners at different stages of development.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Identify major physical development theories.

Describe the psychoanalytic theory of human development.

Explain how psychosocial development theory influences human development.

Use the principles of cognitive development theory to guide teaching practices for secondary school students.

Compare different theories of language development, including the behaviourist, nativist, and interactionist perspectives.

Incorporate the different types and levels of attachment, as well as moral development theories in teaching and learning processes.

Analyze how developmental theories apply to real-life educational contexts and learner support
- Select activity E-tivity 2.0 Unit 2 introductory activity
  
  E-tivity 2.0 Unit 2 introductory activity Forum
  
  Due: Tuesday, 23 December 2025, 3:02 PM
- Select activity Section 2.1 Physical development theories
  
  Section 2.1 Physical development theories Book
- Select activity E-tivity 2.1.1 Application activity. Unit 2, section 2.1
  
  E-tivity 2.1.1 Application activity. Unit 2, section 2.1 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 3:36 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 3:36 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 2.2.1 Introductory activity. Unit 2, section 2.2
  
  E-tivity 2.2.1 Introductory activity. Unit 2, section 2.2 Forum
  
  Due: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity Section 2.2 Psychoanalytic theory
  
  Section 2.2 Psychoanalytic theory Book
- Select activity E-tivity 2.2.2 Application activity. Unit 2, section 2.2
  
  E-tivity 2.2.2 Application activity. Unit 2, section 2.2 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 9:04 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity Section 2.3 Psychosocial development theory by Erik Erikson
  
  Section 2.3 Psychosocial development theory by Erik Erikson Book
- Select activity E-tivity : 2.1.3 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.3
  
  E-tivity : 2.1.3 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.3 Quiz
  
  Opened: Monday, 1 December 2025, 11:05 AM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 11:05 AM
- Select activity Section 2.4 Cognitive development theories
  
  Section 2.4 Cognitive development theories Book
- Select activity E-tivity 2.1.5 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.4
  
  E-tivity 2.1.5 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.4 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 2:55 PM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 2:55 PM
- Select activity Section 2.5 Attachment theories
  
  Section 2.5 Attachment theories Book
- Select activity E-tivity 2.5.1 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.5
  
  E-tivity 2.5.1 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.5 Quiz
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, 11:28 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:28 AM
- Select activity Section 2.6 Moral development theory
  
  Section 2.6 Moral development theory Book
- Select activity E-tivity 2.6.1 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.6
  
  E-tivity 2.6.1 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.6 Quiz
  
  Opened: Saturday, 22 November 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 4:52 PM
  
  Drag and drop into empty spaces.
- Select activity E-tivity 2.7.1 : Moral and Attachment development
  
  E-tivity 2.7.1 : Moral and Attachment development Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 9:07 AM
  
  Closes: Thursday, 31 December 2026, 9:07 AM
- Select activity Section 2.7 Theories of language development and learning
  
  Section 2.7 Theories of language development and learning Book
- Select activity E-tivity : Quiz 2.7 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.7
  
  E-tivity : Quiz 2.7 Application activity, unit 2, section 2.7
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 5:13 AM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 5:13 AM
- Select activity E-tivity: 2.1.8.End Unit Assessment on Unit 2
  
  E-tivity: 2.1.8.End Unit Assessment on Unit 2 Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 5:23 AM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 5:23 AM
- Select activity References
  
  References Page
Select section Unit 3: Periods of human development

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Unit 3: Periods of human development
Introduction

Understanding human development is crucial for teachers, as it enables them to recognize how learners grow and change across different life stages. Development occurs in both prenatal (germinal, embryonic, and fetal) and postnatal periods (infancy through late childhood), each marked by unique physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. This knowledge helps educators design age-appropriate learning experiences, respond to learners’ needs, and identify potential developmental concerns. Beyond childhood, human development continues through adolescence, adulthood, and old age, with each stage involving new challenges and growth. Psychological theories, such as Erikson’s psychosocial stages and Piaget’s cognitive theory, offer insight into key issues like identity formation, intimacy, career development, and life reflection. By understanding these lifelong processes, educators are better equipped to support learners’ holistic growth at every age.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the main stages of prenatal and postnatal human development.

Apply knowledge of developmental stages to plan age-appropriate learning experiences and support learners’ needs in the classroom.

Analyze the emotional, social, moral, and cognitive changes that characterize adolescence, adulthood, and old age using major developmental theories.

Evaluate the relevance and applicability of Erikson’s psychosocial theory in explaining identity, intimacy, and integrity across the later stages of life.

Synthesize insights from various psychological theories to explain how individuals adapt to developmental challenges in adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

Create developmentally appropriate strategies or programs that support healthy adjustment and growth during adolescence, adulthood and old age.
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.1. Forum discussion 1, unit 3
  
  E-tivity 3.1.1. Forum discussion 1, unit 3
  
  Due: Monday, 22 December 2025, 12:00 AM
- Select activity Section 3.1 Prenatal development
  
  Section 3.1 Prenatal development Book
- Select activity Section 3.2 Postnatal development
  
  Section 3.2 Postnatal development Book
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.2 Quiz 1 on section 1 & 2 of unit 3
  
  E-tivity 3.1.2 Quiz 1 on section 1 & 2 of unit 3
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.2.Quiz 2 on Section 1& 2 of Unit 3
  
  E-tivity 3.1.2.Quiz 2 on Section 1& 2 of Unit 3
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 23 December 2025, 11:37 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 11:37 AM
- Select activity Section 3.3 Adolescence
  
  Section 3.3 Adolescence Book
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.3 Quiz on section 3.3 (adolescence)
  
  E-tivity 3.1.3 Quiz on section 3.3 (adolescence)
  
  Opens: Monday, 15 December 2025, 9:56 AM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 15 December 2026, 11:00 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.4 Quiz on Adolescence period
  
  E-tivity 3.1.4 Quiz on Adolescence period
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 2:01 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 2:01 PM
- Select activity Section 3.4 Early adulthood (18-40 years)
  
  Section 3.4 Early adulthood (18-40 years) Book
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.5 Quiz on early adulthood
  
  E-tivity 3.1.5 Quiz on early adulthood
  
  Opened: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 1:19 PM
  
  Closed: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 1:19 PM
- Select activity Section 3.5 Middle adulthood (40-60 years)
  
  Section 3.5 Middle adulthood (40-60 years) Book
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.6: Middle Adulthood
  
  E-tivity 3.1.6: Middle Adulthood Quiz
  
  Opens: Monday, 22 December 2025, 2:39 PM
  
  Closes: Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 2:39 PM
- Select activity Section 3.6 Late adulthood or old age (65+ years)
  
  Section 3.6 Late adulthood or old age (65+ years) Book
- Select activity E-tivity 3.1.7: Late Adulthood
  
  E-tivity 3.1.7: Late Adulthood Quiz
  
  Opened: Sunday, 30 November 2025, 2:43 PM
  
  Closes: Saturday, 19 December 2026, 2:43 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 3.2 End of unit 3 assessment
  
  E-tivity 3.2 End of unit 3 assessment Quiz
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity References
  
  References Page
Select section Unit 4: Adolescent learners’ psychological challenges in Rwandan schools

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Unit 4: Adolescent learners’ psychological challenges in Rwandan schools
Introduction

Adolescent learners are marked by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. In the Rwandan school context, adolescents often face various developmental challenges that may impact their academic performance, social relationships, self-identity, and overall well-being. These challenges are influenced by cultural expectations, socio-economic conditions, family dynamics, and the school environment. Understanding these developmental issues is essential for teachers to support adolescent learners more effectively and promote their healthy transition into adulthood.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the key developmental challenges faced by adolescent learners in Rwandan schools.

Analyze how socio-cultural and environmental factors contribute to or mitigate adolescent developmental challenges within the Rwandan education system.

Evaluate strategies for addressing the developmental challenges faced by adolescents.
- Select activity E-tivity 4.1
  
  E-tivity 4.1 Workshop
  
  Submissions opened: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 3:22 PM
  
  Submissions close: Sunday, 15 March 2026, 3:22 PM
  
  Assessments open: Sunday, 15 March 2026, 3:22 PM
  
  Assessments close: Sunday, 22 March 2026, 3:22 PM
- Select activity E -tivity 4.1.1 Forum discussion, unit 4
  
  E -tivity 4.1.1 Forum discussion, unit 4
  
  Due: Saturday, 10 January 2026, 3:26 PM
- Select activity Section 4.1 Psychological and behavioural challenges
  
  Section 4.1 Psychological and behavioural challenges Book
- Select activity E-tivity 4.1.2 Application activity for section 4.1
  
  E-tivity 4.1.2 Application activity for section 4.1 Quiz
  
  Opened: Saturday, 22 November 2025, 3:50 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 4.2.1 Introductory activity, section 4.2
  
  E-tivity 4.2.1 Introductory activity, section 4.2 Forum
  
  Due: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:50 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 4.2.1: forum discussion
  
  E-tivity 4.2.1: forum discussion
- Select activity Section 4.2 Social challenges
  
  Section 4.2 Social challenges Book
- Select activity E-tivity 4.2.2 Application activity for section 4.2
  
  E-tivity 4.2.2 Application activity for section 4.2 Quiz
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 3:37 PM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 3:37 PM
- Select activity E-tivity 4.3.1 Introductory activity, unit 4, section 4.3
  
  E-tivity 4.3.1 Introductory activity, unit 4, section 4.3 Forum
  
  Due: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity Section 4.3 Ways of addressing challenges faced by adolescent learners in schools
  
  Section 4.3 Ways of addressing challenges faced by adolescent learners in schools Page
- Select activity E-tivity 4.2 Assignment, unit 4
  
  E-tivity 4.2 Assignment, unit 4
  
  Opened: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 12:00 AM
  
  Due: Tuesday, 22 December 2026, 12:00 AM
- Select activity E-tivity 4.3.1
  
  E-tivity 4.3.1 Quiz
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, 9:13 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 11:59 PM
- Select activity References
  
  References Page
- Select activity End Unit Assessment
  
  End Unit Assessment Quiz
  
  Opens: Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 10:45 AM
  
  Closes: Wednesday, 30 December 2026, 10:45 AM