We are aware of the fact that human life begins from a single fertilized cell. Regular and constant interaction with the environment results in the growth and development of innate capacities, abilities and potentialities of a child. Let’s understand first what the growth and the development mean.
Growth:
It means the growth of different parts of human body. It refers to quantitative changes in size which include physical changes in height, weight, size, internal organs, etc. The physical growth affects our behavior and vice versa. Therefore, in the simplest form, growth can be defined as body, shape and growth in weight; it also includes growth of muscles. For example, during infancy and childhood, the body of a person steadily becomes larger, taller and heavier. It is “growth”.Development:
It refers
to the various qualitative changes which take place simultaneously with
quantitative changes of growth, for example, social changes, emotional changes,
etc. Development may be defined as a “progressive” series of “orderly and
coherent” changes. The term progressive denotes that changes are directional;
they lead forward rather than backward. Terms such as orderly and coherent suggest
that there is a definite relationship between the changes taking place and
those that precede or will follow them.
Thus,
development represents changes in an organism from its origin to its death. It is
the series of overall changes in an individual due to the emergence of modified
structures and functions that are the outcome of the interaction and exchange
between the organism and its environment.
Difference between growth and development:
Growth
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Development
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It is used in purely physical sense. Changes in
the quantitative aspects come under the domain of growth. For example, an
increase in size, length, height, and weight.
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It indicates changes in the quality or
character rather than in quantitative aspects.
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The changes produced by growth are the subject
of measurement. They may be quantified and are observable.
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It brings qualitative changes which are
difficult to be measured. They are assessed through keen observation.
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Growth may or may not bring development. A child
may grow in terms of weight but this growth may or may not bring any
functional improvement (qualitative changes or development)
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Development is also possible without growth as
we have seen in the cases of some children that they do not gain in terms of
height, weight, or size, but they do experience functional improvement or
development.
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Growth is one of the parts of development
process.
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Development is a wider and comprehensive term.
It refers to overall changes in individual. Growth is one of its parts.
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Growth does not continue throughout life. It stops
when maturity has been attained.
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Development is a continuous process. It goes
from the womb to tomb. It does not end with the attainment of maturity.
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Stages of growth and development
Name of stages
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Period and Approximate Age
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1. Pre-natal
(pre-birth) Stage
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From conception to birth
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2. Stage
of Infancy
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From birth to two years
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3. Childhood
Stage
(a) Early
Childhood
(b) Later
Childhood
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From 3rd to 12 years or up to the
onset of puberty.
From 3rd to 5 years
From 6 to 12 years
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4. Adolescent
Stage
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From the onset of puberty to the age of
maturity (generally, 12-19 years)
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5. Adulthood
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From 20 years and beyond.
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