According to psychologists maturity means growth and development. As said by Geisel, maturity refers to those physiological processes occurring in the child which are self-determined and guided by genetically determined facts. According to him all the phylogenetic actions that take place in children are called Example: baby slipping,Kneeling, sitting, walking etc. Therefore, it is clear that maturity is related to the open expression of the inner powers acquired in children due to heredity. In other words, it is necessary to be mentally and physically capable to learn any task, this competence is called maturity. At maturity, there is only a nominal benefit from any experience or training. Maris D. Wolf and J.A. according to wolf
– “Maturity means that at a certain stage of development the child becomes capable of doing tasks which they would not have been able to do before.”
Maturity means attaining the ability to do things at a particular stage which could not be done earlier. This is the natural growth and development of the child. According to Bhai Yogendrajit, “Maturity is that natural growth of the child which goes on continuously without any special conditions like education or practice etc.”
According to Woolf, “Maturity means that children at a particular stage of development become capable of performing certain tasks that they could not do before.” (Maturation means that children are able to do at certain stages of development, certain tasks that they could not do previously.)
According to Boring Maturity is a secondary development, whose existance is necessary before an activity or behaviour to be learnt.Development of physical capacity is called maturity.
Characteristics of Maturity-
Maturity affects the learning process and ability of the child. Only a fully mature child is able to learn successfully according to his age. Following are some of the characteristics of maturity:
1. Physical Ability – Another name for physical ability is maturity. When the physical capacity of the animal is capable of acquiring, perceiving and remembering properly, then the process of learning becomes easy. This is the reason why weak and sick children learn less.
Relationship Between Learning and Maturity-
Maturity is necessary for learning. It is very necessary for a person to learn that he is physically and mentally mature. Maturity plays an important role in the development of behaviours. For example, when a baby first tries to walk or speak, it indicates maturity.
