Welcome to The Adolescent Learner, the third course in the series Child Development.
Early adolescence is typically considered to occur between the ages of 10 to 14 and is a time of rapid change for students. Intellectual, physical, moral, social and emotional changes are dramatic and often confusing and concerning for the child. Anxiety can reach very high levels.
Because development is rapid and radical, differentiation is critically important in supporting adolescent learners. What one child may experience entering secondary education may be dramatically different than a peer only one grade level above. Issues of gender and equality take on great importance.
The development of moral judgment requires an understanding of moral responsibility. The teenage brain is prone to higher sensitivity to emotion, and a passion for causes, underscored by the individual’s developing sense of fairness and social justice is common.
As students move into higher grades later in adolescence, college and career preparedness become priorities. It is not unusual for many students, even those who have been engaged at an early age in academic preparation for college, to be uncertain about their plans for the future. Teachers and school staff can help to reduce anxiety and make career goal-setting a fun and rewarding experience.
This course requires 12 hours of study time to complete all assignments and the reflection questions as directed. There are three written assignments including the reflection questions at the end of the course.