Robert J. Havighurst
- Born:
- June 5, 1900, De Pere, Wisconsin, USA
- Died:
- January 31, 1991, Richmond, Indiana, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Physicist, Educator, Sociologist, Gerontologist
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1921 with a degree in chemistry.
- Earned a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University in 1924.
Career and Major Achievements
- Taught physics at Miami University (Ohio) before transitioning to educational research.
- Held positions at the Ohio State University and the University of Chicago.
- Pioneered research on human development across the lifespan.
- Developed the concept of developmental tasks, outlining age-related accomplishments necessary for successful life stages.
- His work on adolescence and aging significantly influenced educational policies and gerontological practices.
- While studying human development, Robert J. Havighurst emphasized the importance of seizing a teachable moment to maximize learning and growth.
Notable Works
- Developmental Tasks and Education (1948)
- Human Development and Education (1953)
- Growing Up in River City (1962)
- The Public Schools of Chicago (1964)
- Authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on education, adolescence, aging, and social development.
Legacy and Impact
Robert J. Havighurst's extensive research and theoretical contributions profoundly shaped the fields of education, human development, and gerontology. His developmental tasks framework remains a cornerstone of understanding human growth and learning throughout the lifespan. He is regarded as a major figure in 20th-century educational thought.