Core #1 HD300 Documentation

Having a tilt in my career, going from an Early Childhood Educator and Administrator to
wanting to go into the Social Service field and work with various age groups, I was in need of
understanding common themes of development which are seen throughout the lifespan. I needed to
review developmental theories, freshen up what I knew and learn new theories that have been
recognized since the last time I took a child development course. I wanted to build on top of my
experience with early childhood development and have knowledge of development across the lifespan
in order to work and help a wider age range. I feel I was able to meet my goals while taking HD 300,
Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycle Issues, course last spring.
The course was very informative and the instructor was clear and knowledgeable of all theories.
I was successful in that course thanks to the Instructor who guided me well throughout each lecture and
made it easy for me, and others in that class, to understand theories and the way early experiences
helped shape our development. The instructor helped me truly explore my beginnings while reflecting
and comparing myself to all Erikson stages. I left that class comfortable, knowing I had a strong grip
and understanding on early childhood development themes of attachment, separation, autonomy,
accomplishment and failure cycles. All these tools will definitely be helpful to me while working in
human services.
I obtained a new research technique through this course which I have been able to use
throughout the rest of my classes at Pacific Oaks with great results. The instructor provided us all with
a layout and foundation to writing a successful research paper, it was clear and efficient. I was able to
collect information, analyze my research, evaluate my assumptions and cross-reference it with personal
beliefs and theoretical theories and lastly present my findings.
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I also acquired a different observation technique that helped me better understand the person I
am observing. I learned how to reflect, analyze and examine with each observation. I was able to
understand the importance of cultural and personal factors which influence everyones development.
The element of interview was also added to my observation skills through this course. I improved my
ability to make connections between class literature and my observations. I now feel confident
reflecting on my personal beliefs and experiences with every observation in order to reach higher
understanding.
Being a confident person with speech I know I was able to contribute to class discussions while
sharing personal and career experience, personal beliefs and thoughts. I also contributed what I have
learned so far as a mother of a seven year old son, the practices, ideas and advice I practiced while
learning to adjust it to my sons needs. I shared valuable insight with classmates in order to facilitate
their understanding. Having fourteen years of experience in the early childhood field I was able to
share unique experiences and theories I learned throughout my career. Others shared experience
helped me open up and think outside of my comfort zone. I learned from peers in that class by seeing a
different persons take on a theory and how they developed. Having a male student in that class also
gave me a wider understanding on human development from a different sex and cultural perspective
which was beneficial to my growth on knowledge and understanding.
We read many pieces of literature required for this course which were all valuable in order to
have a full picture and understanding of the class objectives. One book that taught me a new concept
which has continued to stimulate my thinking and changed my way of living even after I finished the
course was The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. That book was not just a good read, it was a great one.
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After reading it I had an abundance of clarity and understanding for a better living, a fruitful one for
that fact. I was given the tools needed to live fully and positively no matter what kind of brick walls I
have in front of me or how many. If a man destined to die could live his last days in a positive manner,
why cant I do the same knowing my life isnt ending any time soon? I now live life appreciating each
day passed, learn from failures, see the gains in every loss and share my resources with others. I live
mindful of my past without getting stuck in it. I learned to forgive myself and try again over and over.
Most of all, I live life for me.
Surprisingly, I learned a couple of things about myself through course writing and discussion,
and I say surprisingly because I thought I knew myself well. When reviewing the eight stages of Erik
Erikson I compared myself, memories I had and information that was passed on to me. I was able to
understand I had a good upbringing, according to Erikson. Agreeing with Erikson, I was meeting each
stage on track, typically and Ok. I also learned my life patterns in comparison to the renewal cycle. I
was made aware of the transitions I have made thus far in my life with it and how I move on to the next
chapter.
Through my research writing I was able to identify certain thoughts and beliefs personally
instilled in me since my younger days. I was able to recognize the struggles interracial couples go
through in their relationships, even now to this date which was something I was unaware of. I failed to
see road blocks interracial couples face because I am opened to the idea of different races dating,
bonding, uniting and creating together. I may have witnessed some kind of negative attitude others give
interracial couples while in public but was nave to the origin of it. The interview piece which I was

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able to add to my research was a great eye opener and crucial to my understanding. I was able to get so
much insight on cultural differences and ways different cultures handle or react to interracial dating.
I have been able to apply the knowledge I gained from taking HD300, Early Childhood Themes
and Life Cycle Issues, in my personal life and look forward to using it in my career. I have greater
understanding of development and culturally appropriate practices when connecting with children and
adults around me. I feel I have grown since taking this course and am able to share my findings with
others. I have been able to reach my goals from the beginning of this course and have set forth new
ones.

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