Discussion 1  : Nature vs. Nurture

The debate concerning the influence of inherited traits and abilities compared to the influence of environment on human development has been argued for decades. The required reading this week provides information on the extent of which human development and behavior is the result of nature (heredity) and of nurture (environmental influences).

In this discussion you will debate nature vs. nurture. Below is your assigned debate grouping by the first letter of your last name:

A-M: Proponent of Nature
N-Z: Proponent of Nurture

Due by Day 3: For this debate, you must develop a persuasive, research-based argument showing the extent to which your assigned influence affects development. Be sure to utilize both the course text as well as other scholarly resources to support your argument. Remember, you are arguing that either nature or nurture is the most important influence on development.

Due by Day 5: Review your classmates' posts and respond to at least one who is arguing from the opposing side. Negate their argument by providing examples that support your argument.

Due by Day 6: Follow-up to any responses that have been posted to your argument, continuing the debate.

Due by Day 7: Your final post will be an articulation of your own beliefs about nature vs. nurture. What, in your opinion, is the most reasonable one-paragraph resolution of this controversy?

Discussion 2 : Conception to Birth

There are three major stages from conception to birth. They are the germinal stage (first two weeks following conception); the embryonic stage (until the end of the eighth week); and the fetal stage (until birth).

Complete a table, like the one below, making sure to identify the development that happens in each stage and how the development is affected by outside influences, both positive and negative. Finally, list your recommendations for the healthy development of a child.

Stages

Development

Influences

Affects

Recommendations

Germinal

Embryonic

Fetal

Post your table in the discussion forum and share examples from your own experience or from the experience of others that can be associated with prenatal development.

Guided Response: Review your classmates' posts and respond to at least two by examining their tables and providing any developments they may have missed or placed in the wrong stage. Make suggestions for recommendations that will increase positive influences on prenatal development and decrease negative influences on prenatal development.

Journal

You are a parent of a child who has a serious peanut allergy. You are meeting with your child's new teacher to explain this allergy and what specific needs your child has. Your goal for this meeting is to ensure your child's comfort and safety in the classroom by communicating your expectations to the teacher.

For your journal entry, reflect on the following questions:

a. How do you expect your child to be treated not only by his teacher, but by the rest of the school staff?

b. How would you want the school staff to talk with the other children about your child's specific needs and accommodations?

c. In addition to the teacher, who else should be involved in ensuring the safety of your child?

Journal Options:

a. Written reflection journal.

b. Jing reflection with visuals, and paste the link into your discussion post.

c. Peer dialogue reflection (where you discuss the questions above with a peer or colleague and write a reflection that compares their peak experience with your own.)

d. Create a short video to relate your answer.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric  for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your journal entries.