Adolescence and Developmental Needs

Adolescence and Definitions

• Adolescents are aged 10 to 19 years, a crucial developmental phase characterized by unique health and developmental needs.
• Republic Act No. 9344 defines a "Child" as a person under 18 years in the Philippines.
• Republic Act No. 8044 describes "Youth" as ages 15 to 30, marking a critical growth period towards adulthood.
• Republic Act 7610 defines children as individuals under 18 or those unable to safeguard themselves due to disability.

Concept of Childhood and Adolescence

• Childhood is an evolving phase influenced by factors like ethnicity, religion, and politics.
• Adolescence, derived from Latin "adolescentia," signifies the transition from childhood to adulthood, involving biological, social, and psychological changes.
• Preteen years serve as a bridge between early childhood and adolescence.

Learning and Knowledge Organization

• Knowledge organization influences how students learn and apply concepts.
• Accurate and meaningful connections between knowledge facilitate effective retrieval and application.
• Inaccurate knowledge organization can hinder learning and performance.

Motivation in Learning

• Student motivation significantly affects learning behaviors, driving direction, intensity, and persistence.
• Positive perceptions of learning goals, anticipated success, and environmental support enhance motivation.

Mastery and Skill Development

• Mastery requires not only individual skills but also the ability to integrate and know when to apply them.
• Instructors should help students develop awareness of mastery elements for effective learning.

Goal-Directed Practice and Feedback

• Targeted practice that aligns with specific goals enhances learning quality.
• Constructive feedback is essential for guiding student performance relative to targeted criteria.

Impact of Development on Learning

• Students' development levels interact with the learning environment, affecting social, emotional, and intellectual outcomes.
• Positive classroom climate can energize student learning, while negative climates can impede it.

Self-Directed Learning

• Developing metacognitive skills allows students to monitor and adjust their learning approaches.
• Students can improve performance and effectiveness as learners through self-reflection and strategy evaluation.

Stages of Human Development

• Development includes eight stages as identified by Santrock, which encompasses prenatal to late adulthood:
  • Prenatal (conception to birth): Major organ formation and maternal health are primary concerns.
  • Infancy (birth to 18-24 months): Extreme dependence on caregivers; early psychological activities begin.
  • Early childhood (2-5 years): Preschool years focused on self-sufficiency and social play.
  • Middle and late childhood (6-11 years): Mastery of fundamental skills; exposure to culture and achievement.
  • Adolescence (10-22 years): Physical and identity changes; pursuit of independence and logical thinking.
  • Early adulthood (late teens-30s): Establishing independence and family life.
  • Middle adulthood (40-60 years): Expanding social roles and responsibilities; career satisfaction.
  • Late adulthood (60+ years): Adjusting to health changes and life transitions.

Domains of Development

• Physical Domain: Involves changes in body and health; importance of physical skills and activities.
• Socio-emotional Domain: Involves emotional communication and interpersonal skills; supports self-identity and relationships.
• Cognitive Domain: Involves intellectual abilities like problem-solving and creativity; encourages goal setting and focused learning.

Context of Development

• Understanding a child's context aids in assessing their developmental circumstances.
• Key contexts include:
  • Family Context: Encompasses family structure, health, and interpersonal relationships.
  • Neighborhood Context: Involves social interactions outside of family, including schools and community.
  • Socio-demographic Context: Pertains to family income, education levels, and health practices influencing child-rearing.