Difference between growth and development

 Difference Between Growth And
Development
 Principles Of Growth And Development

 Difference Between Growth And
Development

 Principles Of Growth And Development

 Development follows a pattern
 Development proceeds from general to
specific responses
 Development is a continuous process
 Different aspects of growth develop as
different rates

 Most traits are correlated in development
 Most traits are correlated in development
 Growth is a product of the interaction of
the organism and environment
 There are wide individual differences in
growth
 Growth is both quantitative and qualitative
 Development is predictable

 Educational Significance

Growth and development is one of the important studies
for the teachers and parents. Growth is different from
development. But both are correlated and one is
dependant on other. We can say that growth is a part of
development, which is limited in physical changes.

Growth and development are similar words but different
from each other though it is not possible to separate them
totally.
It is a whole process which includes growth of the body
as well as growth of various aspects of child's
personality, e.g., the physical, emotional, social and
cognitive development.

Development is a progressive change the child
undergoes which increases the physical, social,
mental and emotional capacities of the child.
In the early stages of life these changes are
constructive and after middle age there are
destructive changes in the body which lead to old
age.
Growth is physical changes whereas development is
overall development of the organism. The main
differences between both are:

Growth Development
1. Growth is quantitative. 1. Development is quantitative as well
as qualitative.
2. Growth comprises of height, weight,
size and shape of body organs like 2. In this with the physical changes
brain, etc. cognitive social and emotional change
are also included.
3. It is due to cell division.
3. It happen due to motor and adjust
4. Growth is for limited period. mental processes and their interplay.

5. Growth can be measured. 4. Development takes place till death.

5. It can be observed by matured
behaviour.

Growth Development
6. Growth tells about one aspect of 6. Development deals with all the
personality but in limited scope. aspect 0f personality and has a
vast scope.
7. Growth is physical aspects of the
organism 7. Development is overall changes and
progressive changes of the
8. Growth is cellular. organism.

9. Growth is a part of development. 8. Development is organizational.

10. Growth go side by side. 9. Development also includes growth.

11. Growth can be measured 10. And development also go side by
accurately. side.
11. Development is subjective
interpretation of one,s change.

Both growth and development are interrelated
aspects of psychology. There are some basic
differences as per their structure but it is
difficult to separate them. They have some
basic similarities also. In study of educational
psychology study of their differences and
similarities have equal importance for a
teacher.

Growth and development is one of the important
subject of psychology. It is essential for every
teacher and parents know the fundamentals of
growth and development. Good, effective teaching
and guidance depend on the study of growth and
development. Effective learning takes place when
learning situations are arranged in accordance with
the growth and development.
At birth, the child is helpless. Gradually he develops
and becomes independent. A teacher before
preparing the curriculum must have a basis idea of
the anticipated changes of the behaviour undergoing
at various stages.

 Growth
Growth means an increase in size, height, weight,
length, etc. which can be measured.
 Development
Development implies changes in shape, form or
structure resulting in improved working. It implies
qualitative changes.
The principles of growth and development are
described below.
(i) Development follows a pattern:
Development occurs in orderly manner and follows

a certain sequence. For example, the human baby can
stand before he walks and can draw a circle before
he can draw a square. He babbles before he talks, he
is dependent on others before he becomes self-
dependent.
(ii) Development proceeds from general to specific
responses:
It moves from a generalized to localized behaviour.
The newborn infant moves its whole body at one
time instead of moving only one part of it. It makes
random kicking with its legs before it can coordinate
the leg muscles well enough to crawl or to walk.

(iii) Development is a continuous process:
Development does not occur in spurts. Growth
continues from the moments of conception until the
individual reaches maturity. It takes place at slow
regular pace rather than by ‘leaps and bounds’.
Although development is a continuous process, yet
the tempo of growth is not even during infancy and
early years, growth moves swiftly. Later on, it
slackens.
(iv) Different aspects of growth develop at different
rates:
Neither all parts of the body grow at the same rate
nor do all aspects of mental growth proceed equally.
They reach maturity at different times.

(v) Most traits are correlated in development:
Generally, it is seen that the child whose intellectual
development is above average is so in health size,
sociability and special aptitudes.
(vi) Growth is complex:
All of its aspects are closely interrelated. The child’s
mental development is intimately related to his
physical growth and its needs.
(vii) Growth is a product of the interaction of the
organism and environment:
Among the environmental factors one can mention
nutrition, climate the conditions in the home, the
type of social organization in which individual
moves and lives.

(viii) There are wide individual differences in growth:
Individual differences in growth are caused by
differences in heredity and environment.
(ix) Growth is both quantitative and qualitative:
These two aspects are inseparable. The child not only
grows in ‘size’; he grows up or matures in structure
and function too.
(x) Development is predictable:
It is possible for us to predict at an early age the
range within which the mature development of the
child is likely to fall. But mental development cannot
be predicted with the same degree of accuracy.

 Educational Significance
Education is not only a process and a product of
growing; it means growing. Teachers and parents
must know what children are capable of, what
children are capable of, and what potentialities they
possess. By knowing this, they can provide
congenial environment, which are conducive to the
maximum growth of children. Besides the teacher
and parents must be helpful, sympathetic and
encouraging to the students.
Bearing in mind the individual variations in growth,
the school programmes must be adjusted
accordingly. Good physical growth, through the

provision of play, games and sports is conducive to
effective intellectual development. On the other
hand, malnutrition retards development. Therefore,
teachers and parents help in cultivating among pupils
habits of balanced eating. Because of ‘individual
differences’ diversified development of specific
talents, abilities and interests and varied co-
curricular activities must be introduced in school
curriculum.
Moreover, teachers and parents should not demand
of pupils what is beyond their stage of growth.

Difference between growth and development

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