Description
Dear Students and Teachers,
It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of purpose that I present to you "2.2 Child Development & Educational Psychology," a foundational text specifically designed for the ITEP 4-year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). As you embark on your journey to become transformative educators, understanding the intricate tapestry of a child's growth and the science of learning is not merely an academic exercise; it is the very cornerstone of effective and empathetic teaching.
This book is born from the conviction that true education begins with a deep appreciation for the learner. It delves into the fascinating interplay of biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes that collectively shape a child's development. We will traverse the crucial developmental stages, from the rapid changes of infancy, through the formative years of early and middle childhood, and into the complex, transitional period of adolescence. Each stage will be explored across multiple domains—physical, cognitive, language, socio-emotional, aesthetic, and moral—providing you with a holistic understanding of the children you will guide. Furthermore, we integrate the rich 'Indian concept of self,' offering a culturally resonant perspective on inner development.
Beyond the developmental journey, this text transitions seamlessly into the realm of Educational Psychology. Here, we explore the science of how people learn, examining various influential theories—from behaviorist and cognitivist to constructivist and the integral approach of Shri Aurobindo. We will unpack the dynamics of motivation, delve into effective problem-solving and learning strategies, and equip you with practical insights into creating positive and productive classroom environments. Understanding individual differences and fostering inclusive strategies for learners with diverse needs is also a central theme, empowering you to address the unique requirements of every child.
My hope is that this book serves as more than just a textbook; may it be a constant companion, inspiring you to reflect, question, and apply its principles in your future classrooms. The knowledge contained within these pages is designed to empower you with the pedagogical approaches necessary to facilitate deep learning and nurture the full potential of every student.
With best wishes for your academic and professional journey,
Khritish Swargiary (Author)
Khritish Swargiary is a distinguished educator, researcher, and scholar hailing from Assam, India. With a rich academic background and extensive experience in the field of education, Khritish has established himself as a prominent figure in educational technology, sociology, research methodology, and various other specialized areas of study.
Khritish holds a Master’s degree in Education from Gauhati University and another in Psychology from IGNOU, alongside having cleared the UGC-NET examination in Education, showcasing his exceptional expertise in the field. His academic journey has provided him with a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of various educational domains, including the philosophy of education, special education, artificial intelligence in education, statistics, and environmental education. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, he has participated in numerous international online certification courses offered by esteemed institutions such as the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and UNESCO. These courses cover a broad spectrum of topics, including constructivism in education, disaster prevention, mathematics education, computational thinking, and strategies for addressing the educational needs of learners with disabilities in emergencies. Notable among these are Constructivism in Education: Perspectives from International Baccalaureate, Disaster Prevention and Education in Asia: Perspective from Geography Education, Mathematics Education to Develop Student Agency: Problem Solving Approach, Shape & Figure, Measurement and Pattern & Data, Mathematical Thinking VII, Educational Practices to Promote Inquiry-Based Learning for the 21st Century Inspired by the International Baccalaureate Program, Geographic Perspective and Thinking in Senior High School, and Computational Thinking: How to Develop It at Primary School. Offered by the Center for Research on International Development at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, these courses underscore Khritish’s dedication to staying at the forefront of educational innovation and enhancing his expertise across diverse educational fields.
Khritish's expertise is widely recognized in the academic community, as evidenced by his numerous roles in prestigious journals. He serves on the editorial advisory boards of the ERUDIO Journal of Educational Innovation, Journal of Education and Teaching (ISSN: 2746-1467), and Journal of Underrepresented and Minority Progress (ISSN: 2574-3465). Additionally, he holds the position of Regional Editor for the Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, focusing on Central Asia, and Editor for WANASTRA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra (ISSN: 2579-3438). He is also a member of the editorial boards of the Open Journal of Psychology (ISSN: 2771-2370), published by Science Publications, the Humanities and Social Science journal (ISSN: 2330-8184), published by SciencePG, and the International Journal of Advance Research in Education & Literature (ISSN: 2208-2441), as well as serving as an editorial board member for the Journal of Cellular Neuroscience (ISSN: 3067-1132).
His involvement in academic conferences is equally noteworthy. Khritish has served as an associate reviewer for multiple conferences organized by the Informing Science Institute and has been invited as a speaker for international conferences, including the ERUDIO TALK SERIES 1 in 2023 with collaboration of Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia (State Public University) and the International Conference on Science, Technology and AI Applications (2024), Marinduque State University, Philippines (State Public University).
His pioneering voice in the realm of digital education. His influential work, Transforming Education for Generation Alpha and Beta: The Promise and Challenges of AI Integration, has been highlighted by Fox Interviewer News (2025) for its forward-thinking insights into how Generation Beta will harness advanced AI models to enable personalized learning and highly efficient classroom management. In addition, insights shared during an interview with All Saints Greek Orthodox Grammar School, Australia emphasize the significant educational benefits of interactive digital learning. Swargiary’s research demonstrates that screen-based platforms not only boost academic achievement in subjects such as science, mathematics, and languages, but also foster critical skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, ultimately paving the way for a more engaging and effective learning experience.
As an author, Khritish has made significant contributions to the field of education, having published over 100 books and more than 100 research articles. His work has been cited by professors and research scholars from top institutions, including Stanford University, University of California, Washington University, University of Florida, Banaras Hindu University, University of Malaysia, National University of Singapore and among others. His book Emerging Technologies in Education (2023) has been recommended by the Department of Education at Delhi University as suggested reading for their course 2.12, "Emerging Technologies in Education."
Khritish's expertise extends beyond research and writing. He has guided 15 international postgraduate students, and 3 undergraduate students in their project and dissertation work, generously allowing them to use his research study tools and questionnaires. This mentorship role underscores his dedication to nurturing the next generation of educators and researchers.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions as a reviewer, Khritish has received multiple Reviewer Recognition Awards from various journals and publishers. His poetry has also found a place in the literary world, with 74 poems published on Amar Ujala Kavya.
Through his wide-ranging contributions, Khritish Swargiary continues to inspire students, educators, and researchers in India and beyond. His work emphasizes the power of education as a tool for societal change, and his writings offer valuable insights for transforming the future of learning.
