Question

(1A) Describe each domain of development (language, cognitive, physical and social/emotional) for a child who is 14 years of age.

(1B) As an adult working with this child create an age appropriate activity for each domain of development (1 for language, 1 for cognitive, 1 for physical, and 1 for social/emotional) that would support the child’s growth.

(1C) What is the adult’s role during the activities to promote optimal learning?

Pls answer questions thoroughly. Thank you.

Answer 1

It is the beginning of adolescent period. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence has also been described as a period of awkwardness, instability and hesitation. But it is often the failure of parents and teachers to appreciate the growth and maturity of the adolescents that makes the young men and women look awkward.

Many changes take place during this period.

Physical development – There is a sudden acceleration of growth among both boys and girls. They grow both in height and in weight. There is a growth and strengthening of the bones and muscles which lead to an increase in motor activities. But quite often this growth is uneven, growth in one direction may not be adequately matched by similar growth in other directions. This may give rise to awkwardness in movement. Boys grow in strength and physical dexterity. The organs like the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, etc, also grow. The sex organs develop leading to the appearance of pubic and facial hairs in boys, also there is a broadening of the shoulders and deepening of the voice. Girls too start showing signs of femininity. The face takes on a softer look, the breasts begin to fill out, menstruation begins, pubic hair appears, the pelvis becomes broader and there is a general rounding of the figure.

The onset puberty brings with it sexual awareness and the desire for sex information. Adults should meet this need by making adequate provision for scientifically based sex education. Unfortunately in our society sex is treated as something ‘hush hush’, something to be ashamed of and repressed; as a result the adolescent feels guilty about his sexual curiosity.

Mental development - Mental maturity is almost complete during this stage. There are also changes in the thought processes and concept formation. The adolescent is capable of abstract thinking and manipulation of symbols. He now understands abstract terms-like honesty, duty, love, etc. Powers of reasoning also develop and the adolescent refuses to accept ideas and views uncritically. This leads to frequent arguments between him and his elders.

Curiosity is also very strong and the adolescents develop new interests and hobbies. They show curiosity and interest in both national and international affairs. They also want to be treated as adults. When the adult members of the society fail to do so, it gives rise in the adolescents to a spirit of criticism and revolt against them. There is also the desire for self-expression and self-improvement. And hence they participate in different types of games and creative work like drawing, painting, singing, debates, culture activities and so on.

Emotional development – Adolescence is characterized by emotional instability. His moods fluctuate between opposite impulses. At one moment he may be hilarious and the very next moment fly into a rage. This makes the period a stormy one. The storms or conflicts are caused by the adolescent’s inability to cope with his sudden and rapid bodily changes on the one hand, and the inconsistency in parental attitude on the other. The adolescent is highly sensitive about his appearance and is likely to worry over a flat foot, big ears or large hands. Sex is another source of anxiety and tension. Sex is looked upon as indelicate and sex talk as taboo in our society, so they try to receive sex information from unscientific sources. This again fills them with uncertainty and sometimes with a sense of guilt. Adolescents are not given to open displays of emotion. As they grow older there is a noticeable reduction in emotional conflicts.

Social development - Because of their feeling of insecurity adolescents feel the need to belong to a peer group. This is the period of increasing social conformity and he tries to conform to the group by adopting their style of dressing and wearing hair, using slang words and so on. He will blindly follow the activities of the other members of the gang. Even though boys and girls move in the company of their own sex they begin to display an interest in the opposite sex. Hero-worship is another feature of this stage. They worship mostly movie and sports stars. This leads them to identify themselves with the object of their worship through the adoption of the mode of dressing, hair styles and mannerisms. Sometimes a teacher may also be hero-worship.

1.b. The parents should give some responsibilities to the adolescent. They should be allowed to do some works independently. They should be engaged in the cultural program. They should be encouraged in participating in competitions.

1.c. The parents should behave very calmly and carefully in this age. They must be careful to the movement and activities of the child. They should encourage them to study and offer gifts. They should be allowed to have their own choice.