Adolescent Development
Recommendation 12—Partnerships
A summary of young adolescent development, including brain research, as it pertains to the California Department of Education's Recommendation on Partnerships.
As young adolescents come out of the cloud of childhood, a whole new world comes into view that is new and exciting for them. They are curious about what is going on outside their childhood sphere, and they want to know how they can survive and fit into it. Middle grades educators have a great opportunity to fill their students’ curiosity with deeper knowledge in all subjects. And because of new brain growth, there is a window of opportunity for young adolescents to easily learn from experience new ideas, knowledge, and skills (see Recommendation 1, Rigor and Recommendation 4, Relevance.1 However, the key to teaching the young adolescent is making knowledge relevant so they know how to survive and fit into this world.
Providing real-world experiences through partnerships can engage students who would not otherwise be motivated. It also helps young adolescents feel that they are part of the adult world. Students are seeking to identify with adults, and partners can be role models for students. Giving them responsibilities beyond the classroom academics can build self-esteem, confidence, and competency. Students may be meaningfully engaged through the following means:
- Business partners come to classes and address students about their work.
- Students take field trips to businesses.
- Nonprofit organizations provide avenues for students to help people in their community and the world.
- Nonprofit organizations provide avenues for students to study and learn about their environment and how to manage ecosystems.
- Recycling programs give students the opportunity to take part in helping the environment.
- Local agencies that deal with animals can provide avenues for students who are motivated by working with animals.
- Projects with nonprofit organizations can be turned into a class assignment—service-learning.
Young adolescents are going through the turmoil of wanting to be loyal to their peers as well as with their families. But in their quest to be independent, some children challenge authority figures and try to push away from adults in general. However, they need adult role models for guidance and setting limits. Bringing in families as part of the educational process helps students to stay connected with them and lessens their chances to engage in risky behavior.2 Research consistently shows that the most protective factor for adolescents is parental connection and involvement.3
Adolescent Development Index
Recommendation 12—Partnerships Contents
Footnotes
1Barbara Strauch, The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids. New York: Anchor Books, 2003, p. 17.
2Barbara Strauch, The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids. New York: Anchor Books, 2003, p. 142.
3David Walsh, Why Do They Act That Way? New York: Free Press, 2004, p. 236.
Back to Top