CONTRIBUTIONS OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF LEARNING IN BASIC EDUCATION: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN THEORY AND PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Learning in basic education demands pedagogical practices aligned with stages of human development. Developmental Psychology, by investigating cognitive, emotional, and social maturation processes, offers essential foundations for constructing more meaningful teaching. This study aims to analyze the contributions of Developmental Psychology to the understanding of learning in basic education, emphasizing the interfaces between theory and pedagogical practice. The research, bibliographic in nature and qualitative in approach, was based on scientific articles from the SciELO and CAPES databases, prioritizing publications from 2020 to 2023. The main results indicate that although developmental theory is widely discussed, its practical application still faces resistance and discontinuities in school settings. The analysis revealed the need for a critical teacher education grounded in solid theoretical frameworks that promote pedagogical practices sensitive to students’ uniqueness. The study contributes to expanding the debate on the articulation between Psychology and Education, pointing to possibilities for further research and formative experiences that consolidate theory as a living practice in schools.