Educ 5420 discussion unit 1.doc1

docx

School

University of the Fraser Valley *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5240

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

2

Uploaded by isaacolaniyi1234

Report
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2021), Adolescence is a transitional physical and psychological development stage that generally occurs from puberty to legal adulthood. It is characterized by rapid physical growth and maturation and significant cognitive, emotional, and social changes. 1. Are you currently working with, or have you ever worked with, adolescents? Explain. As an educator who mainly teaches primary school students and a mom of a 13-year-old boy who just stepped into his adolescence, I have some knowledge of adolescents, such as their emotional changes, physical and behavioral changes, and how these changes can impact their study, their personalities and their future development. 2. What do you hope to learn in this course about the adolescent experience in your current or future work with adolescents? However, I would like to learn more about adolescent development from this course, such as adolescent thinking and brain development, social-emotional and moral development, gender and sexual identity, and ethnic, racial, and cultural identity. Most importantly, since our school is an international school with over 1,600 students originally coming from 50 different countries, I expect to deepen my understanding of exploring adolescent development from a cross-cultural perspective and different strategies that should be taken in different school settings, such as how social media influences adolescence’s psychological development, how to help students release peer pressure and interpret the world from a more objective view. At the same time, the current generation is growing to be our future world leaders; they are now at an essential stage where they should practice their cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and diverse cultural understanding to embrace future challenges. Therefore, as an educator who is not only responsible for teaching academics but also for helping our students grow from obstacles and challenges, I would like to be more capable of understanding my students’ needs and supporting them to succeed in their learning and development. 3. Explain one or two concepts you have learned about adolescence from the required readings/video thus far. One of the key concepts I have learned in this unit is “Identity Crisis.” An identity crisis is a period of inner conflict and confusion that arises when an individual's sense of self is challenged or called into question. This can happen when adolescents face conflicting roles and expectations from different social contexts, such as family, school, and peers (Erikson, 1970). For example, a teenager may feel pressure to conform to the expectations of their family while also wanting to express their individuality and independence. This conflict can create a sense of confusion and anxiety, which can lead to adverse outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and risk-taking behaviors. Research has shown that identity crisis is a common experience among adolescents, and it can have significant implications for their mental health and well-being. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development (1970), identity formation is a critical developmental task of adolescence. Erikson argued that adolescents must navigate a series of psychosocial stages, each presenting a particular challenge or crisis. The fifth stage, identity versus role confusion, is the stage that is most relevant to the issue of
identity crisis. Erikson argued that adolescents who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of identity that provides a foundation for their adult lives. Several factors can contribute to the development of an identity crisis in adolescence. These include social and cultural factors, such as changes in family dynamics, peer pressure, and cultural expectations (Marcia, 1966). Individual factors, such as personality traits, self-esteem, and coping strategies, can also play a role in developing an identity crisis. Researchers have shown that adolescents with high self-esteem and coping skills are more likely to navigate identity formation challenges successfully (Schwartz et al., 2005). As a teacher, as long as I understand the reasons for the identity crisis, I can find solutions to support my students with an identity crisis. 4. Explain how you will incorporate these ideas into an educational setting. First, building a positive relationship with students and creating a safe and inclusive environment is essential to solving students’ identity crises. Foster a classroom culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity (Erikson, 1970). Encourage open discussions about identity and create a space where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, I will use drama as a tool to help students. For example, we practice different life scenes involving conflicts in my drama classroom. Students can gradually build empathy, emotional intelligence, and collaboration from such practices. In conclusion , the identity crisis is a common experience among adolescents that can have significant implications for their mental health and well-being. Adolescents who experience an identity crisis may be at risk for depression, anxiety, and risk-taking behaviors (Steinberg, 2014). However, with the proper support, adolescents can navigate this challenging period successfully and develop a sense of identity that provides a foundation for their adult lives. Understanding the factors contributing to identity crisis and providing support and guidance to adolescents, parents, teachers, and mental health professionals can help young people develop a strong and positive sense of self. References: Erikson, E. H. (1970). Autobiographic notes on the identity crisis. Daedalus, 99 (4), 730- 759. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20023973 Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of personality and social psychology, 3(5), 551. Schwartz, S. J., Côté, J. E., & Arnett, J. J. (2005). Identity and agency in emerging adulthood: Two developmental routes in the individualization process. Youth & Society, 37(2), 201-229. Steinberg, L. (2014). Adolescence. McGraw-Hill Education.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help