Adolescence

Fact Sheet

Language

According to the text, Adolescences during this period will master syllable
stress patterns of abstract words. They will display the ability to comprehend over
40,000 words, including many abstract terms. They will be able to understand
subtle, nonliteral word meanings, as in sarcasm, irony, and proverbs. According to
the Speech and Language Website, it is suggested that social language skills are very
important to children in this period of development. It is important that they are
able to differentiate the differences between certain types of language, for example
sarcasm. Adolescents during this period will run into situations with peers and they
will need to know how to respond appropriately. They will display the ability to
communicate clearly and in accord with social expectations in diverse situations.

Cognitive

Many transitions occur as a child develops into adolescence. These children
are on their way to developing into and adult. Piagets Formal Operational Stage
happens during this period of development. According to Piaget, around age 11
young people enter the formal operational stage, in which they develop the capacity
for abstract, systematic, scientific thinking. Berk, (2012) In other words they can
operate on operations, for example, they can come with new, more general logical
rules through internal reflection (Inhelder & Piaget, 1955/1958) as cited in Berk,
(2012) During this stage children develop abstract thought and display the ability to
think logically. Adolescents can apply their logic to real objects or imagined objects.
Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning is a part of the Formal Operational Stage. During
this stage, for example, when faced with a problem, children start with a hypothesis,
or prediction about variables that might affect an outcome, from which they deduce
logical, testable inferences. Berk, (2012) the pendulum problem was an example of
Piaget. Adolescents that are in this stage are able to hypothesize four variables that
might be influential to the problem. In this case it is the length of the string, the
weight of the object hung on it, how high the object is raised before it is released and
how forcefully the object is pushed. An adolescent will have the mental capacity to
vary one factor at a time while keeping the other 3 constant until all variables are
tested and he discovers the answer. Also while in this period of development,
carries the Propositional Thought that is also a component of the formal operational
stage. This component has to do with the ability to evaluate logic of prepositions
also called verbal statements, without referring to real-world circumstances. It is
unfortunate that according to the article, Cognitive Development, authors Huitt and
Hummell suggest that only 35% of high school graduates in industrialized
countries obtain formal operations Huitt and Hummel (1998). Because of this low
developing number they suggest that support tools be used in school to upgrade this
low level number. A couple of instructional strategies would be use visual aids
when possible, and provide opportunities to discuss social, and cultural issues with
the adolescents.


Physical

During this very awkward period for both boys and girls, their bodies go
through dramatic changes. These changes are in the forms of physical and
emotional. A few of the physical changes a girl will go through during this time are
breasts will begin to develop. She will begin to grow taller eventually hitting her
peak. She will have her first menstruation. By the time she reaches the age of 14
to17 her breasts growth and pubic hair growth will have grown to completion.
Berk, (2012)
A few changes that a boy will go through during this period of development
are, between 9 and 15 years of age his testes begin to enlarge, pubic hair appears,
penis begins to enlarge and his height spurt begins. Typically around the age of 12
to 16 years of age he will experience his first ejaculation, which is called
Spermarche. Other changes occur as well for example, his voice will deepen, and
facial hair will begin to grow. Between the ages of 12.5 to 17 years of age is when
adult stature is reached with pubic hair, penis and testes growth completed.



 Atypical

One atypical sign that may raise a red flag in an adolescent is extreme low
weight. This could suggest that the child (female) may have an eating disorder
called Anorexia. This disorder is more common in early maturing girls.
Abnormalities in neurotransmitters in the brain linked to anxiety and impulse
control may make individuals more susceptible (Kaye, 2008; Lock & Kirz, 2008) as
cited in Berk, (2012)
Strategy for Families
This period of development is a very difficult one. Children at this age need
emotional and physical interaction with their families. Strong emotional ties will
help children while they are experiencing these changes. Spend quality time with
the children and have meaningful conversations with them as well. Let them know
that they are important.
Social Factors
Social factors that have the potential to influence learning and development
in adolescents are fitting in with peers. Early maturing adolescents typically seek
older companions who may encourage them into doing things they are not yet ready
for and the hormonal influences on the brains social/emotional network, which may
make them vulnerable to sexual activity, drug, and alcohol use. It could be that
because of this type of involvement adolescents in this stage of development feel
emotionally stressed and perform poorly academically in school.

Cultural Factors
Family structures influence adolescents development. There are more
families with a single head of household or two working parents, with fewer
extended families to care for the children. Therefore, fewer families have less adult
supervision for the children during the workday. Parents in these situations have
less time to spend with their children and even less time to spend with homework
and other activities to help with learning at home.

Play-Based Strategies
Play contributes to cognitive, social, physical and the emotional wellbeing of
children. Play also offers parents opportunities to engage with their children. Video
games are a good way for parents to engage in play with their children.
 Physical activity is also a good way for parents to engage and influence
development during this stage. A good game of basketball is great for the entire
family. Physical activity promotes a healthy mind and healthy body.


Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development. Boston: Pearson Education.

Ginsburg, K., (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child
Development And Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Retrieved from
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182.short


Huitt, W. & Hummell, J. (1998). Cognitive Development. Retrieved April 25, 2009
from the World Wide Web:
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/cogsys/piaget.html

Newman, D. (2011). Adolescence Language Development. Retrieved from
http://www.speechlanguage-resources.com/adolescent-language-
development.html