Understanding today's students

By Alyssa Ambrosio

College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
September , 2010

For today’s class we broke into several groups. We discussed amongst our groups the different characteristics of certain age level children based on gender. After giving a presentation we started discussion whether or not these characteristics were normal or abnormal and why. We decided pretty unanimously the different characteristics that would be considered normal or abnormal. Today in class we also discussed drugs, alcohol and sex in relation to age level and gender.

I thought it was interesting how much we all agreed on the topics. We all felt that society is changing and that these types of behaviors are becoming more accepted. It is sad but true that society is losing most of its values. We all also agreed that it isn’t really the teachers’ job to discuss drugs, sex and alcohol. Teachers are not really allowed to interject those types of values on students unless they are a health teacher.

It is sad but true that behavior really begins in the home. Certain situations result in destructive behaviors. For example today a girl in class said that in her home kissing wasn’t allowed to be viewed. It made her think that kissing and sex was bad and extremely private. In her case that fear factor was pretty good. It kept her out of trouble and made her realize that sex at a young age can be seriously damaging. Many people don’t have a strict family life, or a family that is considered “normal.” Many students in this age come from single parent families or families where both parents are constantly working. Times are changing and so are the children. Teachers need to adapt to the new era of students and learn to be flexible. It is hard not to instill your personal beliefs onto your students but certain things are simply out of your hands as a teacher.