The term Growth and Development are inseparable but different concepts. The terms growth & Development are used interchangeably to refer to the changes that take place in the life of an individual from his birth to maturity.
Growth
Growth refers to the increase in height, weight, and body size of a person. In biology, growth is considered as the increase in the size of an organ or cell.
Development
On the other hand, development refers to the growth process where a person can develop concerning physical, mental, social, emotional, moral, etc. Developments depend upon both heredity and the Environment.
Difference Between Growth and Development
| Growth | Development |
| It is Quantitative in Nature | It is both Quantitative & Qualitative in Nature |
| The term ‘Growth’ refers to physical changes of an individual like an increase in height, size, length and weight etc. | Development refers to overall changes in a physical organ or the structure that results in improved functioning of the physical organ |
| Growth is Purley physical Sense | Development is overall, Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social, moral or any other |
| Growth is only a part of the developmental process | Development is a complex and comprehensive process |
| Growth is limited to a certain age it stops when maturity has been attained | Development is a continuous process starting from the time of conception and continuing until the end of life (Womb to Tomb) |
| Changes produced by growth can be observed and measured directly | Developmental changes that result in improved behaviour or functioning cannot be measured directly |
| Growth focuses only on one aspect i.e increase in child’s body size | Development focuses on various aspects like interpersonal skills, and intelligence. |
| Growth is an external process | Development is an internal process. |
| Growth is structural | Development is considered a functional |
| Growth is influenced by the development | Development is independent it does not depend upon growth |
The growth and Development term is used comprehensively one cannot replace the other. Growth and development are very important a teacher must have proper knowledge about child growth and development to achieve maximum growth and development of a child