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Young Adolescents:. Their Needs And Characteristics. How Exactly Do You Define a Middle Level Student?. Agenda. Changes Teachers Conclusion. Changes:. Biological: Hormones Growth Primary and secondary sex characteristics Interest in opposite sex
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Young Adolescents: Their Needs And Characteristics
Agenda • Changes • Teachers • Conclusion
Changes: • Biological: • Hormones • Growth • Primary and secondary sex characteristics • Interest in opposite sex • Girls usually are 18 months ahead of boys
Changes: • Social • School transitions • Social role changes • Dating • Relationships
Peer and Friendships • Increase in peer focus • More time with peers both in and out of school • Friendship cliques • Social acceptance • Peer influence
Change in Family Relations • Seek more independence and autonomy • Question family rules and roles • Fewer family interactions inside and outside the home
Desiring Independence • Distancing from parents • Try life on their own terms • Develop own competencies and efficacies
Changes: • Factors influencing cognitive growth: • Amount of meaningful material • How thinking skills are embedded in content knowledge • How critical thinking skills are fostered in the classroom
Why the Negative Change? Person-Environment Theory • Traditional middle-level schools not providing appropriate educational environments • Decline in motivation, interest, performance and behavior
Stage-Environment Fit • Look at the fit between the needs of young adolescents and opportunities afforded them in their middle grades environment • Different types of educational environments may be needed for different age groups
Potential Problems Transitioning to the Middle Grades • Concerns • Amount of homework • Getting to class on time • Getting Lost • Fitting in • Marked decline in grades • Negative motivation and behavioral characteristics • Less self-assurance
Students: • Want to be competent at something • Need to be engaged • Need multiple opportunities to learn a skill or concept • Explore identity • Positive social interactions with peers and adults • Physical activity • Need structure and clear limits
Teachers: Provide: • Moral and abstract reasoning • Structure • Awareness of rules and consequences • Nurturing environment • Academic support • Limited choices between acceptable options • Assistance in breaking large tasks into manageable pieces • Guidelines to use to monitor progress
Teachers: Need: • Sense of humor • To be three steps ahead • To stay sharp verbally • To stay healthy
Conclusions A middle-level student is: • Changing • Focusing on self • Focusing on peers • In need of structure • In need of caring environment • In need of chances to succeed
Powerpoint Presentation Prepared by: Elizabeth Sheffer, Assistant in Educational ServicesDivision of Research and Educational ServicesNEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERSesheffer@nysutmail.org1-800-342-9810 ext. 6642