Module Objectives

In this module you will:

Explore sensory learning in infants
Examine theories of infant learning
Conduct an objective, detailed observation of an infant

Activity #1: Readings & Watchings

- - Read Honig (2005)
  - Read Honig (2007)
  - Watch Alison Gopnik’s TED Talk: What Do Babies Think?
  - Watch Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage
  - Watch Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Read Honig (2005)

Honig (2005)

Link to Honig (2007)

Honig(2007)

Watch Alison Gopnik’s TED Talk: What Do Babies Think? (TED TalK, 2011)

Watch Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage

Watch Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development in Social Relationships

OPTIONAL: Complete this handout as you read and watch

Activity #2: Observing an Infant

Now it’s time to get to know the infant in your Infant-Family Case Study family. Make an appointment with the family to observe the baby for ~1 hour. You will continue to develop your muscle to write detailed, descriptive and non-judgmental (objective) observations. The Power Point below reviews what it means to be a skilled observer.

Link to Power Point

Obervation Overview

While observing the baby focus on:

Where the observation takes place? Describe the space in detail. Who was present?
What the baby look like – hair, skin, facial features, body type, and clothing?
Focus on observing the baby, rather than interacting with the baby.
Describe in chronological order, using rich, vivid details with objective language:
- How the baby moves (please include all types of movements)?
- What the baby looks at, gaze at?
- What attracts the baby’s interest? How can you tell?
- What toys, materials, and/or furniture the baby uses while you are observing? How?
- How the baby vocalizes, including cries, babbling, and using real words?
- What other ways the baby communicates, including facial expressions and gestures?
- How the baby interacts with people?
- What routines — eating, sleeping, toileting/ diapering, bathing, playing, transitions, etc. — you observe the family engage in? What happens during the routines? How does the baby react?
- Anything else you notice