Would I Want to Teach Middle Schoolers? Presented by: Vicki D. Linkous, Ed.D. Retired – Associate Professor - RU

Only in a Middle School We’re late again It’s in my locker It’s so boring

Thinking it Through What are the students like? What makes a good middle school? What makes a good middle school teacher? Is it for me?

Intellectual Characteristics Wide range of cognitive development Transition from concrete to abstract thinking Prefer active over passive learning Often preoccupied with self Strong need for approval & easily discouraged Inquisitive about adults – like to challenge them

Intellectual – continued May show disinterest in academic subjects, but curious about the world and themselves Prefer working with peers during learning activities Beginning to understanding higher levels of humor

Physical Development Experience rapid, irregular physical growth Varying maturity rates – girls 1 ½ to 2 years earlier than boys Experience restlessness and fatigue due to growth Prefer junk food, but need good nutrition Concerned about bodily changes – are they normal?

Moral Development Are typically idealistic, want the world to be a better place Often shows compassion for the “underdog” Can be quick to see flaws in others, but slow to see their own faults Moving from “what’s in it for me” to considering rights and feelings of others.

Moral Development - continued Rely on parents and significant adults when facing major decisions Developing own personal values – tend to be those consistent with those of their parents (families) Need adult role models who will listen to them and affirm their moral consciousness and actions

Emotional/Psychological Development Concerned about peer acceptance Tend to be self-conscious, may lack self-esteem Believe their personal problems/feelings are unique May experience mood swings Exhibit intense concern about physical growth and maturity

Social Development Strong need to belong to group – peer approval Like fads, especially those shunned by adults Often over react to teasing, ridicule or rejection May appear immature because social skills may be behind mental and physical maturity

Social Development - continued Communication frenzy – telephone – notes Want to make their own decisions Big question: Who am I?

What Makes a GOOD Middle School?

Middle Schools – Grades or Interdisciplinary teams of teachers Common planning time for teams of teachers Students assigned to same homeroom or advisory for all of middle school experience* Exploratory courses or mini-courses Flexible scheduling*

Middle Schools - continued Cooperative learning as an instructional strategy Parental and community involvement Parents as volunteers Heterogeneous grouping of students Strong fine arts program

What Makes a Good (Exemplary) Middle School Teacher? Likes this age group and wants to teach them. Knows what the students are like developmentally. Has a sense of humor and can laugh at self. Has a passion for content and learning. Enjoys using a variety of instructional strategies.

Good Middle School Teacher - continued Understands and uses good assessment practices. Enjoys working within a team. Has teacher presence and “withitness.” Knows how to be fair; can admit being wrong.

Is It For Me? Sources: George, Paul & Alexander, William, (1993). The exemplary middle school. Fort Worth; Harcourt Brace.