Theories of Development

Year 12 Technology – Building Family Connections Unit

Lesson 2 of 30
Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 27 students

---

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will investigate key theories of human development — focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development — and explore their relevance to family interactions. This understanding supports forming stronger family connections by applying developmental theory in the context of technology design or social wellbeing technologies. The lesson aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum technologies learning area and the Humanities and Social Sciences general capabilities, integrating ethical, social, and interpersonal competencies.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain key developmental theories related to cognitive, emotional, and social growth (Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Bowlby).
• Analyse how family interactions influence and are influenced by developmental stages.
• Apply theoretical understanding to design considerations in technologies that support family wellbeing and connections.

Curriculum alignment:

• Western Australian Curriculum: Technologies — Digital and Design & Technologies focus including ethical and social considerations and cross-disciplinary links with Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).
• Specific content drawing on general capabilities of Ethical Understanding, Personal and Social capability, and Critical and Creative Thinking.
• Referenced content descriptions (for Year 12 Technology):
  • Analyse how innovations impact social and family connections (drawing on AC9TDE10K01 & AC9TDE10K02 elaborations on ethical and social factors in technologies).
• Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures - reflecting on family and community connections.

---

Lesson Structure

Activity	Time	Description
1. Introduction & Context	10 min	- Briefly introduce the Building Family Connections unit and today’s focus on development theories.
		- Discuss the importance of understanding human development for technology design that supports families.
2. Theory Overview Presentation	15 min	- Interactive mini-lecture with visual slides/video covering key theories:
		1) Piaget’s stages of cognitive development — how children understand their world.
		2) Erikson’s psychosocial stages — emotional and social crises at each life stage.
		3) Vygotsky’s social development theory — influence of social interaction on learning.
		4) Bowlby’s attachment theory — bond formation and family impact.
		- Relate theories briefly to family dynamics and interaction.
3. Group Activity: Case Studies	20 min	- Students break into small groups (4-5 per group).
		- Each group is given a family scenario focusing on a developmental stage (e.g., toddler’s cognitive growth, adolescent emotional challenges).
		- Groups identify which theories are relevant and discuss how family actions support or hinder development.
		- Groups prepare a short summary (poster or digital slide) linking developmental theory to family interaction.
4. Group Presentations	10 min	- Groups present their findings to class (2 min each).
		- Class discusses common themes and differences in developmental influences.
5. Reflection and Wrap-up	5 min	- Individual written reflection: “How can understanding developmental theories influence design or use of technology to support family wellbeing?”
		- Homework preview: Research a technology that supports family development and prepare a brief case study for the next lesson.

---

Resources & Materials

• Visual aids or slides summarising developmental theories
• Printed or digital case study scenarios for group work
• Poster paper or digital slide tools for group presentation
• Writing materials or devices for reflection
• Video clip (optional) illustrating family interactions influenced by development stages

---

Assessment

• Formative assessment through group discussions and presentations demonstrating understanding of developmental theories.
• Individual reflective writing to assess their ability to link theory with real-world technology impact.
• Observation of engagement and application of critical thinking during activities.

---

Differentiation & Extension

• Support students needing assistance with theory concepts through simplified summaries and visual organisers.
• Challenge advanced students to consider cultural influences on development theories, particularly Indigenous Australian perspectives on family and identity.
• Extension task: Design a conceptual technology solution that supports one aspect of development in families, to be developed later in the unit.

---

Curriculum Links Detail (Western Australian Curriculum – Technologies)

Content Description & Elaborations	Relevance to Lesson
AC9TDE10K01: Analyse ethical, security and sustainability factors…	Ethical and social factors in family technology design are considered when applying development theories (e.g., emotional support, cognitive learning aids)
AC9TDE10K02: Analyse impact of innovation on designed solutions…	Examines how innovative technologies can support family development needs across cognitive, emotional and social spheres
General capability: Personal and social capability	Understanding relationships, emotions and socialisation within families
Humanities and Social Sciences link: Examine social and emotional wellbeing	Understanding broader social context of family dynamics

---

This structured lesson plan provides a comprehensive, engaging, and curriculum-aligned learning experience tailored for Year 12 Technology students in Western Australia, ensuring they deeply understand development theories and their practical importance to family interactions and technology design. This combination of theory, active group learning, and reflection innovatively incorporates current curriculum emphases and digital learning potentials.