Understanding adolescents
By Meghan McKillop
EDI 17 Psychology & Development of Adolescent Students
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
January 28, 2010
Long Island University, C. W. Post
January 28, 2010
I was intrigued by a quote from today’s class: “a core meaning of adolescent development lies fundamentally in the interpretations adolescents make of themselves and their world.” Rather than passive vessels with fixed personalities, adolescents actively experiment, construct meaning, and make sense of the world around them. Although each individual is unique and takes a separate path, adolescents in general develop and mature mentally, physically, and emotionally in a variety of ways. Through interactions/relationships with peers and adults, exploration of the realities and possibilities of their lives and the world around them, and the creation/development of their own individual voice and opinions, adolescents construct their identities. It is easy for adults to label adolescents as stubborn, confusing, and rebellious, but I think this is because they underestimate the complexity of the period of adolescence.
Adolescents are bombarded by stimuli that they must process in order to make sense of the world around them, learn from their experiences and observations, and therefore develop their individual identities. It is crucial for teachers to give their adolescent students the guidance and support that will allow them to feel confident and capable to grow and achieve their potentials.
Looking back, my time as an adolescent was certainly positive. While many adolescents identify with one specific group, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a variety of activities and classes that broadened my experiences and allowed me to develop into a well-rounded individual. I would consider myself a bit of a nerd, for I was in Honors and AP classes and generally enjoyed school and learning; at my school, the majority of Honors and AP students progressed from one grade to the next with the same classmates, so I was able to develop and nurture friendships beginning in middle school and lasting throughout high school. I played the flute in symphonic and marching band, which allowed me to be exposed to the world of music and also allowed me to develop camaraderie with “the band kids.” I was also an athlete, for I was on the field hockey and softball teams every year from seventh grade until high school graduation. My closest friends were my softball teammates, because we grew up together and solidified our friendship through years of teamwork. As an adolescent, I was a mixture of a nerd, a band kid, and an athlete. This combination and the variety of experiences that were associated with each one allowed me to develop my individual identity, shaping me into the person I am today.
Adolescents are bombarded by stimuli that they must process in order to make sense of the world around them, learn from their experiences and observations, and therefore develop their individual identities. It is crucial for teachers to give their adolescent students the guidance and support that will allow them to feel confident and capable to grow and achieve their potentials.
Looking back, my time as an adolescent was certainly positive. While many adolescents identify with one specific group, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a variety of activities and classes that broadened my experiences and allowed me to develop into a well-rounded individual. I would consider myself a bit of a nerd, for I was in Honors and AP classes and generally enjoyed school and learning; at my school, the majority of Honors and AP students progressed from one grade to the next with the same classmates, so I was able to develop and nurture friendships beginning in middle school and lasting throughout high school. I played the flute in symphonic and marching band, which allowed me to be exposed to the world of music and also allowed me to develop camaraderie with “the band kids.” I was also an athlete, for I was on the field hockey and softball teams every year from seventh grade until high school graduation. My closest friends were my softball teammates, because we grew up together and solidified our friendship through years of teamwork. As an adolescent, I was a mixture of a nerd, a band kid, and an athlete. This combination and the variety of experiences that were associated with each one allowed me to develop my individual identity, shaping me into the person I am today.
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