1 Their Needs And Characteristics Young Adolescents:

How Exactly Do You Define a Middle Level Student?

3 Agenda   Changes   Teachers   Conclusion

4 Changes:   Biological: Hormones Growth Primary and secondary sex characteristics Interest in opposite sex Girls usually are 18 months ahead of boys

5  Social School transitions Social role changes Dating Relationships Changes:

6 Peer and Friendships   Increase in peer focus   More time with peers both in and out of school   Friendship cliques   Social acceptance   Peer influence

7 Change in Family Relations   Seek more independence and autonomy   Question family rules and roles   Fewer family interactions inside and outside the home

8 Desiring Independence   Distancing from parents   Try life on their own terms   Develop own competencies and efficacies

9  :  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 Changes:

10 Why the Negative Change? Person-Environment Theory   Traditional middle-level schools not providing appropriate educational environments   Decline in motivation, interest, performance and behavior

11 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

12 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

13 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

14 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

15 Need:   Sense of humor   To be three steps ahead   To stay sharp verbally   To stay healthy Teachers:

16 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

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18 Powerpoint Presentation Prepared by: Elizabeth Sheffer, Assistant in Educational Services Division of Research and Educational Services NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS ext. 6642