Designations That Is Important to Understand About

¶ … designations that is important to understand about development is the notion of critical periods vs. sensitive periods. Technically critical periods are windows of opportunity where a particular biological process can emerge (Bateson, 1979). These periods begin and end abruptly and once these windows are closed the particular biological function or ability will not appear. For example, in certain animals imprinting occurs for a very short period of time after the animal is born or hatched. Once the window is shut the animal will not imprint.

Many theorists mistakenly define critical periods in people as what are actually sensitive periods of development. Sensitive periods have longer durations, began and end more gradually, and are time periods of maximum sensitivity for the development of some function or skill, but after these periods have elapsed some learning/change can take place. For instance, in the case of Genie her sensitive period for the development of language skills, self-regulation abilities, and social attachments had passed by the time she was discovered, but the records indicate that she was able to learn some remedial language but could never develop any syntax or understated humor and developed only very basic self -- regulatory abilities. Likewise, the children Austria have also passed the sensitive period for the optimal development of many abilities when they were discovered. The issue for them really becomes what can one learn outside of the sensitive periods and what is the optimal way to help them learn. Even though the human brain is relatively plastic throughout one's lifetime the optimal periods for major plastic changes occur in the earlier years. The ability to acquire major basic functions such as language, self-regulation, social skills, etc. becomes limited if there is no exposure during sensitive periods in childhood.

From an educational standpoint this certainly places emphasis on learning these abilities/skills and exposure in the formative years. Moreover, learning skills like a second or third language, playing a musical instrument, basic etiquette and relationship skills, and so forth is best during sensitive periods. In terms of socialization educators can model appropriate behavior in social situations and help teach children how to interact with others in a positive manner. Likewise, the ability to engage with others and develop personal relationships with others probably has a sensitive period and educators would be well advised to remember this. Understanding theories of psychological and physical development is crucial for educators. Some of the psychological literature that indicates that people tend to reenact early personal relationships with others throughout their lives might suggest that developing relationships with others is subject to exposure during sensitive periods.