Adolescent Development Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L2 Dr. Erin Ashby, Lt Col, CAP 

Overview Developmental Issues of adolescents Development of Responsibility Learning styles Student-centered education

Intellectual Development Age 12-13 Concrete thinking Age 14-16 Development of abstract thinking Activities are for immediate gratification, little future relevance Age 17-20 Abstract and critical thinking Intellectual Support –use concrete examples and abstract examples Expectations of problem solving skills Use of socratic questioning to draw out the thought process Development of the ability to see the big picture

Psychosocial Development Age 12-13 Body changes Age 14-16 Concerns over opposite sex Key social agents are peers Age 17-20 Moving towards independence from parents and authority figures Biggest issue here is girls dressing inappropriately to impress boys Peer pressure- be aware, listen to what your cadets are saying, you will overhear a lot Set cadets up to be independent, give control, involve them in choices

Ethical Development Age 12-13 Rebellion and self-doubt Ages 14-16 Rule and limit testing Selection of role models Experimentation with drugs and sex Ages 17-20 Impulsive decisions Set expectations and clear consequences for decisions to help develop adherence to rules and responsibility Critical thinking –the ability to evaluate multiple hypothesis Independence- give opportunities to contribute and control Reinforce values constantly

Development of Responsibility Age Responsibility as Responsibility For Responsibility to 6 Obedience Things Work Parents 8 Morality Actions Talents Attitude Society 10 Discipline Choices Character Potential Self 12 Service Family Dependability Contribution Others

The Four Modalities of Learning Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Tactile

Student-Centered Learning The best cadet units are cadet-centered. Cadets learn by doing; they are active participants, not passive receivers. Subject matter must be relevant to cadets’ interests. Cadets need to have a stake in their own learning. Ranking cadets should be included in the decision making-process.

Summary Each cadet is an individual. Use a variety of leadership & teaching styles so as to reach all cadets. Consider age and maturity as you promote cadets and assign jobs including setting expectations. Use student-centered approaches by involving cadets in decision-making.