Utilizing the Developmental Learning Theory

    The Developmental Learning Theory can be used to inform one's method of teaching. Using this thoery, it is believed that the most effective way to teach new material is to begin by displaying and explaining the most concrete or familiar representation of a new subject. Once this represetnation is given and discussed the instructor should show a more abstract representation of the material so that learners can gain understanding of the new subject.  This allows the learner to begin to think in more complex and abstract forms, which allows them to better know the material.  However, young children will not be able to process abstract material due to the lack of brain development that has taken place.  In this case, the instructor should not give the more abstract form since the child is not able to understand much more than a concrete representation. 
     To use an example, one could begin by modeling the three branches of government within a classroom.  This would allow the students to experience a direct representation (almost) hands on.  There could be a president and congress and supreme court judges.  I recall doing something similar when I learned about government and this experience has stuck with me ever since.  We each had opportunities to write and revise bills which we brought before congress to get voted for or against.  The bill would than go to the president who could sign off on it or veto it. As a last resort, the supreme court judges can find the bill to be invalid if it violates the constitution. I think experiencing all of these actions myself, has allowed me to further understand how it would take place in real life. 
     The Developmental Learning Thoery can be used to inform assesment mehtods as well. WIth older youth, the most complex and thorough way of understanding occurs in an abstract form.  To asses a student's understanding than, the instructor would want to test the learner for his/her most abstract explanation.  This could be done in an essay format, since words and explanations are much more complex to process than a visual representation, like a diagram of model.  To test the scenario I described above, I would definitely use written scenarios on a test, to see if the student was able to tell me how a bill could become passed.