Psychological Basis of Learning: Growth, Development & Maturation
Understanding human growth, development, and maturation is very important in the psychological basis of learning. These processes determine how learners acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. This post answers three key questions on the subject.
1. Explain the Terms
A. Human Growth
Human growth refers to the quantitative physical changes that occur in a person over time. It includes increases in height, weight, and the size of body organs. Growth is largely genetic, though influenced by nutrition and health. In learning, growth provides the physical foundation — such as muscle development for writing and brain growth for memory and attention.
B. Human Development
Human development refers to the qualitative changes in an individual’s overall being. It is broader than growth and includes physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral aspects. Development continues across the lifespan. In education, development influences readiness, motivation, reasoning, and interaction in the classroom.
C. Maturation
Maturation is the natural unfolding of inherited traits and abilities. It occurs according to a biological timetable and is not learned. For example, a child walks or begins logical reasoning only when their body and brain have matured enough. In learning, maturation defines readiness — teachers must align lessons with what learners are mature enough to handle.
2. Differentiate between Physical Maturation and Mental Maturation (five ways)
| Aspect | Physical Maturation | Mental Maturation |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Concerns growth of body parts, muscles, and motor skills. | Concerns brain functions, reasoning, memory, and emotions. |
| Basis | Largely genetic and biological. | Both biological and influenced by environment, culture, and education. |
| Indicators | Height, weight, puberty, teeth, motor milestones. | Language acquisition, problem-solving, attention span, emotional control. |
| Role in Learning | Provides physical readiness such as eyesight, hearing, and muscle control for tasks. | Provides cognitive readiness such as abstract thinking, reasoning, and decision-making. |
| Pattern of Change | Rapid in early years and adolescence, slows in adulthood. | Continues throughout life, shaped by learning and social experiences. |
Summary: Physical maturation prepares the body for learning, while mental maturation prepares the mind for understanding and applying knowledge.
3. Explain the Difference between Human Growth and Development
Although human growth and human development are related, they are not the same. Growth refers to quantitative, physical changes such as increase in height, weight, and organ size. Development refers to qualitative, holistic changes in an individual’s abilities, personality, emotions, and reasoning.
In the context of learning: growth ensures learners have the biological capacity to perform tasks (e.g., holding a pen, seeing clearly), while development ensures they can think critically, cooperate, and regulate emotions to succeed in school. Growth may stop after adolescence, but development continues throughout life as learners acquire new skills and adapt to experiences.
Possible Sources for Further Reading
- Woolfolk, A. Educational Psychology. Pearson.
- Santrock, J. W. Life-Span Development. McGraw-Hill.
- Berk, L. E. Development Through the Lifespan. Pearson.
- Papalia, D. E., & Martorell, G. Experience Human Development. McGraw-Hill.
- Piaget, J. The Origins of Intelligence in Children. International Universities Press.
- Vygotsky, L. S. Mind in Society. Harvard University Press.
