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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding child development: from synapse to society by Utrecht University

4.6
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356 ratings

About the Course

In this course, we dive into the topic of child development. You will learn that child development is complex and is influenced by a surprisingly rich number of factors at many different levels of organization. You will see that development can be studied in various domains and at various levels of understanding, from different angles and disciplines. Importantly, you will come to understand that processes within and between the various domains and levels of organization continuously interact to shape development. This implies that understanding development requires taking an interdisciplinary approach. In order to help you organize your thinking about this complexity you will learn more about the developmental systems approach and theories related to that. We will look, amongst other things, at the brain and motor development, cognitive, language and social-emotional development and all the factors that have an influence on development. To illustrate how an interdisciplinary approach helps to understand child development you will see how researchers from various disciplines and backgrounds study child development at Utrecht University. These scientists will give a look in their field of knowledge and their collaboration with colleagues, to illustrate how the theory you will learn translates to practice. In sum, we invite you to follow us on a journey to understand child development from synapse to society!...

Top reviews

NS

Jun 17, 2024

Truly excellent course with the highest calibre academics leading it. I would certainly encourage, people thinking about further study to look at the range of courses available. Thankyou tutors.

RR

Feb 20, 2020

excellent explanation of the subject. But....... not at all easy... if you want to choose this one, you should be ready to spend more time than prescribed... surely...HAD FUN LEARNING

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26 - 50 of 123 Reviews for Understanding child development: from synapse to society

By hadi z

May 18, 2022

This course was amazing for me. this give good understading about chid development which is so useful for my scientific activity and proffessional life. thanks.

By Nina L

Jun 12, 2018

I have no background at all in this subject, but as I am a mother I am generally interested in child development and that was the reason for me to follow the course. I found it a nice overview of all the different aspects involved in child development and with an academic background (PhD) it was easy to follow. It took me around 3 hours per week to go through.

By Israt J T

May 20, 2020

It was not an easy course at all. You need to take it seriously but it was enjoyable for whom the topic is interested

By wendy k

Feb 28, 2022

the videos were horribble and when i tried to save a note it would not let me delete it but would go back to the beginning.

By Ms.Melissa W

Sep 21, 2022

Disappointing to learn in the first assignment that all asignments were expected to be turned in via audio/video. Not a good way for me as I'm disabled, and have trouble speaking loudly enough to record myself much less turn in the assignment.

By Sana B

Apr 16, 2025

Understanding Child Development: From Synapse to Society” is a well-structured and engaging course that offers a rich, interdisciplinary perspective on how children grow and develop — from the micro level of brain synapses to the macro level of societal influences. One of the course's greatest strengths is its developmental systems approach, which encourages learners to look at child development as a dynamic, interactive process involving genetics, environment, culture, and experience. The integration of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Gottlieb’s probabilistic epigenesis provides a strong theoretical backbone, helping learners understand how various layers of influence shape a child’s trajectory. The content is thoughtfully delivered through a mix of video lectures, animated visual explanations, research-based case studies, and opportunities for self-reflection and peer feedback. The use of real-world examples — such as parenting styles, media exposure, and early education environments — makes the material accessible and relatable. The course also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration — involving psychologists, neuroscientists, educators, and policymakers — in truly understanding and supporting children's development. 🔍 Highlights: Clear explanation of complex concepts (e.g., brain plasticity, attachment, and developmental risk/resilience) Encourages critical thinking and practical application Well-paced modules with optional readings for deeper exploration Opportunities for peer review and discussion 📌 Suggestions: Some assignments could benefit from more structured rubrics Learners with no prior background in psychology or education may need extra time with the neuroscience sections Final Thoughts: This course is a valuable foundation for anyone working with or raising children, including educators, parents, counselors, and students in developmental sciences. It not only informs but also inspires — reminding us that nurturing environments, understanding minds, and supportive systems all play a vital role in shaping young lives.

By Zoe

Nov 29, 2022

I fell in love with both the content and the university. The recorded classes were beneficial because they contain information that is very easy to digest and reinforced with the readings. It was fascinating to learn about the university's interdisciplinary approach to research through its Dynamics of Youth program, making me dream about one day studying there. I am looking forward to completing more courses from Utrecht University, for now. Highly recommend this course if you're interested in Developmental Psychology, if not one of the many topics and/or readings in here will surely interest you.

By Faezeh F

Jan 3, 2024

It was a great course and I have learned a lot from it, especially I liked the section where scientists from different domains tried collaborating on the multidisciplinary projects, and it has so many valuable lessons to learn that how much is important to have a wide perspective when it comes to research about children developments. Thanks for Providing these materials for students. With Kind Regards. Faezeh

By Özge M K

Feb 6, 2024

This course is one of the best ones in this platform. Prof.Huijding explains the subject very clearly. Also the other experts from different fields who work collaboratively in Dynamics of Youth make us more curious for learning deeply. The assignments especially reviewed final assignement support us to learn very well about dynamic systems theory. Thank you coursera and Utrecht University.

By Magarulay K

Mar 19, 2021

Nasil ki bir doktor eğitim alıyor,nasıl ki bir mühendis eğitim alıyor ,gelecek nesilleri yetiştiren ebeveynler ilk basta eğitim almalıdır ki güvenli dürüst nesiller yetişsin. çocuk gelişimi eğitimi bir çocuğu bir fidan gibi düşünerek sürekli sulamak gibi düşünülebilir.bu kursa ve üniversitemize teşekkürlerimi sunarım

By Rachel S

Oct 10, 2022

This was a great course! The content was very interesting and the professor presented the information in a clear and consise way. The readings were great and I especially liked the interview videos with researchers from Utrecht University. I would highly recommend this course to anyone!

By CK T (

Jul 23, 2024

The lectures (video) and course materials are very informative and useful. The schedule and materials are well organized with clear instruction/guidance provided. Very easy to follow through. Dr. Jorg's lectures are very clear and easy to understand. Thank you very much.

By Aleix G M

May 16, 2022

Nice course on child development. Very educational with a lot of work behind to give a though structured content. Interesting interviews and exemplification of the up to date investigation departments in the field from Utrecht University. Absolutly recommended

By Errol G

Dec 4, 2020

Fascinating subject brilliantly presented! The videos are short and to the point, with no word wasted. The guest lecturers are interesting and the topics are absorbing. You can spend many more hours than prescribed doing this course well.

By Сексенбаева А Т

Nov 11, 2019

Очень интересный курс, правда трудно немножко из-за языка, но стараюсь переводить и искать))) В завершении курса могу точно сказать, что приумножу свои знания, благодарю за такой курс, успехов Вам и побольше курс с сфере педагогики!!!!)

By Jose-Daniel G

Dec 13, 2022

This is an extremely needed course with very clear information about the young populations we serve. At times, the terminology is technical but overall, ... it is YOU who are developing as an educator.

By Nicholas S

Jun 17, 2024

Truly excellent course with the highest calibre academics leading it. I would certainly encourage, people thinking about further study to look at the range of courses available. Thankyou tutors.

By Benali N

Aug 17, 2023

This course combines the ease and depth of information at the same time and enables the follower to have a real and rich understanding of the development of the child.

By Cassandra C

Dec 4, 2022

The information is relatable and well disseminated. The assignments are refreshing and keep you engaged. Thank you for this opportunity. Keep up the great work!

By Mary L

Mar 12, 2022

A brief yet comprehensive course for child development. Really helped me understand the frameworks and critical aspects of child development.

By Christopher M

Aug 3, 2023

Excellent foundation class to understanding our growth from from a single fertilized cell into a fully formed and social human.

By Rathi S

Nov 29, 2020

THE undestanding child development :from synapse to society is very help its too good also

Thank you for your wonderful course

By Argemiro P C

Dec 14, 2023

El curso es muy bueno, ya que se trata de comprender la conducta del ser humano desde su concesión hasta su evolución adulta.

By Trinh T H N

Mar 29, 2025

"This course is extremely useful for me—a mother who needs knowledge about children to accompany my child in homeschooling."

By Yuliya A S

Dec 8, 2022

Fantastic opportunity to summerize information on the Development of a child, the basic and an introduction on the topic.