Week 1 Blog Post
The readings for week 1 provided an introduction to the history of middle school and how it was developed. It also expressed the importance of middle school education, as well as major goals for this grade level of students.
Students at this age are experience a great amount of physical and cognitive development. According to the textbook, This We Believe, "Young people undergo more rapid and profound personal changes between ages 10 and 15 than at any other time in their lives" (AMLE, 2010, p.5). Infants also go through an extensive amount of change at this time, but they are not aware of themselves. Within middle school, there's a huge amount of variability among students of the same gender and ages. Everyone is developing at a different pace, some much sooner than others.
The first time I ever really witnessed this myself as an adult, was when I recently observed at a high school earlier this year. I visited a freshman intro to business class, and it was interesting to see how some students looked more like children, while others had already gone through puberty and looked more like young adults. Some boys still had higher pitched voices, while others were very deep. The ages of 10 to 15 can be a stressful time, because students already have to learn how to deal with their own changing bodies, but they also begin to compare themselves to others.
The book also described how students of this aged are surrounded by imagery and media, which could negatively affect these students. Violence is very prevalent in movies, and they also receive conflicting messages about sexuality and appropriate behavior. I couldn't agree more when the text stated how important it is for students to have a positive adult role model in their lives during this time, because they truly need positive influences to keep them from being distracted by all the negativity that is surrounding them. This is one reason why I'm so excited to change career paths and become a teacher. I really want to be a positive role model for students, and be a supportive adult figure for them.
There were so many goals listed at the middle school level that I absolutely loved from our text, as I felt so many of them fit with business education. When I was in 7th grade, we had a technical career course, in which we sat at little computer pods and did different research on types of careers. I really like the goal which states that during this time, students should, "explore music, art, and careers, and recognize their importance to personal growth and learning" (AMLE, 2015, p.12). I really feel that the sooner we can make students aware of their personal interests, and what careers might fit those interests and personality traits best, can really help students find a future path. Whether they have plans to go to college or not, I think it can be truly overwhelming for an individual to try to figure out what they want to do after school. I was personally one of those students. When I graduated high school, I went to college with an undeclared major, and after changing majors a few times, I ultimately landed on business. Though I think business was a right fit, I think it took me some time to figure out what I truly had a passion for, which is why I'm changing careers today.
I don't think it's ever too late to decide what you want to be when you grow up, and I think it's great to have people bounce around to different types of careers throughout their lives. It ultimately makes them more well-rounded individuals. But, I really do believe that if middle school students can take classes to help them better understand themselves and the world they live in, they'll grow up to be confident and driven individuals.
Students at this age are experience a great amount of physical and cognitive development. According to the textbook, This We Believe, "Young people undergo more rapid and profound personal changes between ages 10 and 15 than at any other time in their lives" (AMLE, 2010, p.5). Infants also go through an extensive amount of change at this time, but they are not aware of themselves. Within middle school, there's a huge amount of variability among students of the same gender and ages. Everyone is developing at a different pace, some much sooner than others.
The first time I ever really witnessed this myself as an adult, was when I recently observed at a high school earlier this year. I visited a freshman intro to business class, and it was interesting to see how some students looked more like children, while others had already gone through puberty and looked more like young adults. Some boys still had higher pitched voices, while others were very deep. The ages of 10 to 15 can be a stressful time, because students already have to learn how to deal with their own changing bodies, but they also begin to compare themselves to others.
The book also described how students of this aged are surrounded by imagery and media, which could negatively affect these students. Violence is very prevalent in movies, and they also receive conflicting messages about sexuality and appropriate behavior. I couldn't agree more when the text stated how important it is for students to have a positive adult role model in their lives during this time, because they truly need positive influences to keep them from being distracted by all the negativity that is surrounding them. This is one reason why I'm so excited to change career paths and become a teacher. I really want to be a positive role model for students, and be a supportive adult figure for them.
There were so many goals listed at the middle school level that I absolutely loved from our text, as I felt so many of them fit with business education. When I was in 7th grade, we had a technical career course, in which we sat at little computer pods and did different research on types of careers. I really like the goal which states that during this time, students should, "explore music, art, and careers, and recognize their importance to personal growth and learning" (AMLE, 2015, p.12). I really feel that the sooner we can make students aware of their personal interests, and what careers might fit those interests and personality traits best, can really help students find a future path. Whether they have plans to go to college or not, I think it can be truly overwhelming for an individual to try to figure out what they want to do after school. I was personally one of those students. When I graduated high school, I went to college with an undeclared major, and after changing majors a few times, I ultimately landed on business. Though I think business was a right fit, I think it took me some time to figure out what I truly had a passion for, which is why I'm changing careers today.
I don't think it's ever too late to decide what you want to be when you grow up, and I think it's great to have people bounce around to different types of careers throughout their lives. It ultimately makes them more well-rounded individuals. But, I really do believe that if middle school students can take classes to help them better understand themselves and the world they live in, they'll grow up to be confident and driven individuals.
Hello and peace to all,
ReplyDeleteHello Ashley,
Thanks for your post… a lot of good thoughts to consider...thanks. A couple things really stuck out to me from it:
First, I agree that these kids seem to be going up faster, and some of them seem to be bigger and older than when I was in school. And a lot of them seem very independent. I think some of them think that there are more independent than they really are…. And by the way, I probably felt a little that way when I was their age. So, I guess, one of our jobs as teachers will be to help them navigate this in positive ways.
I also picked up on how you would like to be a positive influence and role model for your students. I think that so important too. I think kids need more than simply songwriters, and rappers, and sports stars, and actors telling them what they should believe and in having influence on them. Sometimes these people can be good, but it’s very important to have real people in their immediacy, that can model good behavior, and be an adult that they can go to if they need to, and to show them how to act in kind and polite and appropriate ways so they see that this is normal and the standard.
So anyway, I think that’s great that that’s on your radar, and I too, will work hard to be a very good role model…. I think sometimes we as teachers have an added responsibility in this area…. So, I will work on being up for this task! Sounds like you’re in excellent shape for this!
In fact, I think this even extends to being positive in the school environment when we interact with other teachers too, and not just the teachers. I think sometimes teachers can fall into kinda complaining and/or having some negative attitudes about the kids. I don’t think it’s chronic, but I sometimes do wonder if some of the conversations in the teachers’ lounge could be better. I don’t see enough conversations going on about how we can improve the school, and what exciting things are happened in school and in their classrooms.
Please note, I am not saying it’s horrible, but I think we can use even more positive stuff in the teachers lounges than there already is. And by the way, I know I have to work on this too! What’s the old saying, if this isn’t happening as much as one would like it maybe it’s up to you to make it start happening!.... So I will work on this being positive in the lounge when I am in school with intentionality.
And finally, I really appreciate the fact that you said you are changing careers and now going into teaching. I am entering this career a little older in my life…. Although, I suspect that my earlier “career” was not as successful as yours. None the less, I think going into teaching a little later life has some advantages. I do not think I would’ve been a good teacher had I entered it as a younger person. I’ve met some younger people at Trinity, and they seem very well-equipped to teach at their age… I would not have been.
But now, after some life experience, I think I have something more positive to offer and to draw from… But please know I’m still learning! And the other thing about going into teaching profession older and/or after different career is that you haven’t experienced any burnout. Burnout can happen in the teaching field, social work, nursing, and ministry field. I guess it can happen anywhere. But my point is, sometimes, in teaching, people can experience some burnout, but I think if you go into it after a new career it’s like you’re chomping at the bit, and are excited to do it (!), which will invigorate the atmosphere! This is how I feel, and I sense that you’re very excited about this new chapter in your life…. And you’re doing it with so much life experience to offer! So this sounds great!
Anyway, it was nice reading your blog…. Thanks for the great ideas…. Peace
Hey Todd! Thanks for your response! I couldn't agree with you more on the statement that teachers can fall into having negative attitudes about their kids. I've seen this with aunts, cousins and friends who are teachers, and I know it's probably not ill-intended at all, but it does almost feel like it can be contagious. I had a professor at Trinity who specifically told us to "stay away from the teacher's lounge" for this reason, and I think it's great advice!
DeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to have another class with you and I hope you are doing great. I totally agree on the importance of students exploring different interest. I strongly believe that students should be introduce to more classes in middle school. There is few middle schools who have business classes. I was lucky enough to work for a middle school who had business classes as electives. Many students by 8th grade were able to calculate interest rates and loans using excel and other digital tools. Regardless if students want to study business, these skills will carry on for the rest of their lives. These students were able to be familiar with the business terminology and they won't be clue less when they hear it from their parents or somewhere else. I will attach this article that I found interesting and it talks about how budgeting on school district is so important because funding cuts harm those elective classes. Unfortunately, I think that district are not seeing the importance to have personal finance classes in secondary education but especially in middle school.
Awesome post!
Link: https://www.edutopia.org/article/case-electives-schools