Question

Erikson (1950) believes that development proceeds along an age - stage pathway. Discuss five educational implications of Erikson's stage of development.

Answer 1

Erikson’s theory is, like Piaget's, a stage theory. It suggests that all human beings pass through specific stages or phases of development. In contrast to Piaget theory, Erikson is concerned primarily with social rather than cognitive development. Erikson believed that each stage of life is marked by a specific crisis or a conflict between competing tendencies. Only if individuals negotiated with each of these hurdles successfully can they continue to develop in a normal healthy manner.

First stage is called trust versus mistrust. In this stage infants learn to trust the environment what they face or to mistrust it. Infants must trust others to satisfy their needs. The second stage is autonomy versus shame and doubt. In this stage toddlers acquire self confidence if they learn to regulate their bodies and act independently. If they fail or are labeled as inadequate, they experience shame and doubt.

The third stage is called initiative versus guilt. It is between the age of three years to five years. In this stage for preschoolers acquire new physical and mental skills but must also learn to control their impulses. Unless a good balance is struck, they become either unruly or too inhibited. The fourth stage is industry versus inferiority. This stage ranges from 6 years to 11 years. In this stage children acquire many skills and competences. If they take pride in these, they acquire high self-esteem. If they compare themselves and favorably with others, they may develop low self-esteem.

The fifth stage of life in the development of individual is called identity versus role at confusion. In the stage adolescents integrate various roles in to a consistent self identity. If they fail to do so, they may experience confusion over who they are. The sixth stage is called intimacy versus isolation. It is the period of young adults when the young adults must develop the ability to form deep intimate relationship with others. If they do not, they may become socially or emotionally isolated.

The seventh stage is called generative versus self-absorption. In this stage adults must take an active interest in helping and guiding younger persons. If they do not, they may become preoccupied with purely selfish needs. The last stage is called integrity versus despair. In this closing decades of life, individuals ask themselves whether their lives had any meaning. If they can answer yes they attain a sense of integrity. If they answer no, the experience despair.

So, the education implications are:

• The children should be imparted according to the stage.
• Their physical and cognitive needs should be stressed.
• Curriculum should be based differently on the basis of stages.
• Group activities should be organized according to the social needs.
• The integrated education may be started from the fifth stage.