Needs of the Adolescent Learner

Kati Schwalbach Courtney AnunsonJake Lange Jessica Sargent

Intro

Throughout this presentation we will ask you to reflect back on your experiences in middle school/ junior high school. We will ask you to reflect on your needs, development, and diversity in the classroom. Please remember that each of us has had a different experience.

Physical Development

● Physical development affects…○ physical abilities○ self-esteem○ self-image○ self-confidence○ social relationships○ moods○ individuals’ approach to learning

Physical Development

● Restlessness and fatigue● a need for physical activity● Concerns with changes in body size and

shape, changes in voice

Physical Activity

Each group will receive a deck of cards. Each card has a physical change in adolescents listed on it. As a group they will sort the cards into two groups, physical changes in boys and physical changes in girls.

Physical Questions

● What physical changes do you remember going through when you were in middle school/junior high?

● Do you remember your friends going through any physical changes, if so, what do you remember?

Cognitive Developmental Needs

● Cooperative learning opportunities● Encouragement and challenges in order to

become motivated● Opportunities for self-assessment and

reflection● Opportunities to apply abstract thinking● Low-income students

Special Needs

● Students receive IEPs

● Segregating special needs students vs. commingling

● Links to social problems

Discussion

What were your experiences with cooperative learning in Middle School?

How did your Middle School implement special education?

Emotional

● Mood swings ● Needing to release energy● A desire to become independent ● Belief that personal problems are unique to

themselves

Emotional Activity

“Life’s Blessings” emotional exploration

Emotional Discussion

● Why is it important to focus on the positives?

● What did you learn about yourself from this activity?

Social

● Modeling behavior of older students● Experimenting with ways of talking and

acting ● Seeking approval of peers and other with

attention-getting behavior

Social Activity-Matching Sheet

● Activity● Skill● Benefits

Social Questions

Discussion:

What social situations stand out in your mind from your adolescent years? How did they shape your development?

Moral Development ● Idealistic● Strong sense of fairness● Reflective thoughts● Confront moral and ethical questions head on● Form social norms in response to emotions ● Questions about the meaning of life● Judges other quickly● Acknowledges their own faults slowly

Moral Development Needs

● Establish their self-identity by a sense of who they are

● Expand their views● Be influenced by positive role models ● Gain patience with themselves and others● Time to understand their effects on others

Moral Activity: Who Am I?

There was a child went forth every day,And the first object he looked upon and received with

wonder or pity or love or dread, that object he became,And that object became part of him for the day or a certain

part of the day . . . or for many years or stretchingcycles of years.

from “There Was A Child Went Forth,”by Walt Whitman

Diversity and the Adolescent

Gender - Girls Vs. Boys

● Girls score lower on math and verbal tests● Boys more likely to repeat a grade● Boys still dominate physics, calculus, and

advanced courses ● 75-90% of degrees in: education, nursing,

and home economics, are held by girls● 7 of 80 people are girls to attend Ivy League

Schools

Gender - Girls Vs. Boys

● Girls ask fewer complex questions● Girls likely to receive less praise● Boys receive more attention, including

negative attention, from teachers● ⅔ of all special education is boys

Gender Questions

● When you were in school, did you ever feel these statistics in your classroom?

● Personal stories?

Some Multicultural Barriers

● Teacher expectations may conflict with parents’ values

● Teachers communicate differently among diverse students (especially African-American)

● Bilingual students are often separated from the class for part of the day

Numbers You Should Know...

● 7% of teachers in the U.S. are African-American, 1% of them are men.

● From 2001 to 2011, white students share of public school enrollment decreased from 60 to 52 percent, while hispanic students share increased from 17 to 24 percent.

● 68% of African-American students say they frequently face discrimination at school.

Socioeconomic Status

● Low-income students often affected by risk factors

● Low-income students are less likely to take part in after school activities

● Often have behavioral issues or emotional outbreaks

Socioeconomic Status

● Lack of parental support:o Spend a lot of time home aloneo Not taught attributes such as patience,

humility, forgiveness, etc.o Learned helplessness

● Important for teachers to model correct behaviors for students

BREAK&

SNACK

Barnga

Barnga Discussion Questions

What did you expect at the beginning of the game?

When did you realize something was wrong and how did you deal with it?

How does the game relate to your adolescent experience?

Questions or Comments?

Thank you for your time and participation!