Putting it all Together: Lifespan Development in Action
In Chapter 13, we are shown the answer to the question of "what's next?" What comes next and how do we put all the information we have learned in previous chapters to good use. We are shown how to put theories into practice, and given a look at the field of lifespan development. Following this, we are given a look into current concerns and controversies, how history has informed change, and leadership opportunities. Next, we see Professionalism in the field of lifespan development, advocacy in the field of lifespan development and then finally legislation and lifespan development.
There are many people in this world that are working jobs that are
stressful and/or dissatisfying, myself included. We take on these jobs because of the money we
make or because we have to take care of our families, not because we are passionate about them.
On page 305 in our LifeSmart text it states that "knowledge of lifespan development is beneficial, if not required, in many fields. People who possess an understnading of the physical, cognitive, and social interactions throughout the lifespan will have greater insight into what is developmentally appropriate in a variety of areas." This is so true! By having the knowledge we have gained from studying lifespan psychology we can become much better teachers, professionals and people in general. Lifespan development can give us better insight into everyday obstacles and help us overcome them. One obstacle I have been having lately has been with my current job. I am an assistant teacher, and using knowledge gained in this course, I can recognize certain traits in coworkers and my manager and use that knowledge to effectively communicate with them. Also on page 305, the text highlights that "specific coursework relating to psychology has been shown to make a difference in the career choices students make." This too I agree with, and while I previously was not as set on the age group of students I would like to work with, I have now broadened the age range sue to some of the information presented in this and other psychology courses I have taken.
Further in the chapter, the text emphasizes the need for each of us to be an advocate for those who cannot be free to pursue their own dreams. In high school and college I worked with Amnesty International and had the honor of giving a voice to those who could not raise their own to help themselves for a number of different reasons. We all must strive to be an advocate, even in small ways.
The final section on legislation and lifespan development was very interesting to me, as I am very interested and like to be involved in politics. While there has been a good deal of legislation developed to aid in the protection of individuals' rights that have been introduced and passed in the last century, we still have much more to do. By being advocated we can change policies for the greater good. Currently, I am a big advocate for the rights of the LGBT community. This group of people, while some progress has been made for them, are still so far behind in their rights! Our children's children will look back on our behaviors towards these individuals and be as appalled as we are of our great grandparents' generation's attitudes towards African American individuals.
In summary, this text has taught me much about lifespan psychology, and how to apply it to my everyday life in a number of ways. By learning more about this field, I am better prepared for a career in teaching and has prepared me to be an agent of change as much as possible.
