Re: Middle School Students -- EDPR 7/8112 Adolescence Sec. 001 0500-0800 R

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Date Posted: 22:28:19 03/21/07 Wed
Author: Bryan Wilson
Subject: Re: Middle School Students
In reply to: Derwin Sisnett 's message, "Middle School Students" on 08:17:10 03/21/07 Wed

>I read an article in the NYTimes the other day that
>addressed the woes of middle school education. They
>addressed the fact that most teachers desire to be
>elementary or high school teachers, but they become
>middle school teachers out of necessity. Although
>middle school students begin to experience changes
>that can cause them to "act out," the very fact that
>many teachers are not passionate about working with
>them can cause more harm than good.
>
>A very interesting point that was made was that many
>middle school teachers across the country are not
>required to be certified in adolescent development or
>adolescent pedagogy. As we discuss the MANY issues
>that adolescents face, it would only seem logical that
>middle schoolers get as much attention (if not more)
>as elementary school students and high school
>students. What would it take for middle schools to
>receive the attention that is needed?

I agree middle school teachers should have some type of adolescent class. This would help the students and also the teachers cope with the many changes that are occurring. I also believe that if the teachers felt better prepared for the middle school experience there would not be so many teachers dreading this experience. This is a major point in the student�s life and to have a teacher who does not really want to be there can be devastating to a student�s future.

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Replies:

[> Re: Middle School Students -- Julie Falvey, 08:50:00 03/22/07 Thu

People often say, "I would never want to be in junior high again, but I survived it." I think most people view adolescence as this uncontrollable force of nature that we are all forced to endure. As a future middle school teacher, an important part of my job will be to let the adults in my students' lives know that there are strategies we can implement to improve the transition experience for our students. If the general public does not see the importance of creating a nurturing educational environment designed specifically for the special needs of adolescents, then the school systems will never have the support they need to improve the middle school experience.

>I read an article in the NYTimes the other day that
>addressed the woes of middle school education. They
>addressed the fact that most teachers desire to be
>elementary or high school teachers, but they become
>middle school teachers out of necessity. Although
>middle school students begin to experience changes
>that can cause them to "act out," the very fact that
>many teachers are not passionate about working with
>them can cause more harm than good.
>
>A very interesting point that was made was that many
>middle school teachers across the country are not
>required to be certified in adolescent development or
>adolescent pedagogy. As we discuss the MANY issues
>that adolescents face, it would only seem logical that
>middle schoolers get as much attention (if not more)
>as elementary school students and high school
>students. What would it take for middle schools to
>receive the attention that is needed?

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[> [> Re: Middle School Students -- Derwin Sisnett, 09:21:15 03/28/07 Wed

I think you bring up a very good point when you address the adults in an adolescent's life. So often we rely on ourselves to teach students, but we forget that it is equally important to find OTHER adults, particularly parents/guardians, who CAN have a vested interest in an adolescent's life. Yes, adolescence is a time of tumultuous change, but that underscores how important it is for adolescents to have consistency in their lives. Consistent attention from adults (since they have experienced adolescence) inside and outside of the classroom can help to NURTURE adolescents as they grow into successful adults. I think we stop the nurturing process once children step out of elementary school for good, but nurturing should continue way beyond that. One or two adults cannot do it all!

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