Teacher Discussion Forums

[bozzy]

As I future high school teacher, I understand that teaching teenagers can be a difficult task for many reasons (ability to process more intellectually, longer attention spans - or not, self-image issues, demand to be treated as adults, etc), and I am wondering what is the most pressing issue for those of you that teach teachers. In other words, what makes teaching teenagers difficult (or easy) for you? What are your experiences teaching teenagers? And do you have any advice? Thanks!

[Sally Olsen]

It is good to get a book on the biology of teenagers so you will know what is happening when you come into contact with certain behaviours. The most important is that they brain isn't fully developed until 16 or so (of course, depending on the individual) and it means they can't always be empathetic before that. It makes it hard for a teacher to get students on their side because they can't always appreciate your position.

I never found teenagers more difficult than having to deal with some of the adults that had never grown up. It is all in your personality and whether you can adapt quickly, have a sense of humour and a love of your subject. I would suggest putting up a mirror where you can see your face as often as possible. Then smile.

[bozzy]

Thank you for your response, Sally. I think I have all three of those qualities you listed (I'm waiting on the verdict for my sense of humor), but it is good to know that the worst case scenario isn't always the right scenario, meaning that it might not be as bad as some say.