Who are they?

1. Who are they? Adolescent Development… taken from This We Believe, NMSA, 1983.

2. Physical • Bodies are changing • Maturity levels are related to hormones • Sexual awareness heightens • Need, but don’t always get, physical exercise • Need good nutrition, often each junkfood • Engage in risky experimentation

3. Social • Need to belong • Are in search of their own identity • Lack social skills • Experiment with new slang and behaviors • Want to make their own decisions • Like fads • Desire recognition • Are socially vulnerable

4. Emotional • Experience mood swings • Are concerned about peer acceptance • Tend to be self-conscious • Lack self-esteem and are highly sensitive to criticism • Are concerned with major societal issues • Believe that personal problems are unique to themselves • Are psychologically vulnerable

5. Intellectual • Are moving from concrete to abstract (75% of 11th graders are at the concrete stage) • Are intensely curious about the world and themselves • Prefer active over passive learning experiences • Prefer interaction with peers • Want real-life situations • Are often preoccupied with self • Need approval

6. Moral • Are generally idealistic • Often show compassion for those who are downtrodden or suffering • Are developing their own personal values • Rely on parents and significant adults for advice when facing major decisions • Assess moral matters in shades of gray • Are quick to see flaws in others but slow to acknowledge their own faults • Greatly need and are influenced by adult role models who will listen to them and affirm their moral consciousness and actions • Are aware of and concerned about inconsistencies between values exhibited by adults and the conditions they see in society

7. If you only teach one way, you will only reach one type of student… Is that what teaching is ….reaching students like you? Most teachers teach like they were taught… Your challenge is to “reach” your students.

8. What teachers need… • Knowledge (know your content, know who you are dealing with) • Skills (know how to manage your classroom, lessons, and children) • Disposition (know what is in your heart, what you believe about people, and what you hope for as well as how to work with other people)