Republic of the Philippines

Eastern Samar State University

College of Education

Borongan City

A Reflection on Adolescence

As future secondary teacher, I must know how to deal with my students

who would probably be adolescents. Adolescents who experience rapid growth of
change not just physically but also socially, cognitively and psychologically. Hence,
being aware of these changes will quite help me respond to them accordingly.
Upon discussing all about Adolescence, I have come to realized that
the physical growth and development of an adolescent varies. There are just
average ages where a specific development will occur. These development and
growth includes the muscles, breasts, body hair, menstruation, height etc. With
these, I may say that I may engage them in activities that would enhance more their
physical strength and abilities and would not just let them be focused in mental
exercises. Also, I must be able to adjust too with their mood swings which may be a
result of their physical changes.
Students in adolescence age also long for a sense of belongingness.
They wanted to be accepted by the society they belong to. Having peers and
socializing are manifestations of this development. Yet, there are those who feel
rejected and neglected by their fellow. With this I have reflected that letting them be
involved in group works and group activities will most probably boost their morale
and develop their social-self.
Adolescents’ behavior and cognition is way different during their
childhood years. Now, they think of themselves highly. They think that they rule the
world- thinking that they can do things independently. Despite this, adolescents’ way
of understanding things becomes more abstract rather than concrete. They are more
analytic and logical. Therefore, engaging them into activities that requires higher
order thinking skills would help them more develop cognitively.
A lot of changes and development occurs during adolescent years.
Knowing these means understanding our teenagers. They may have different level
of development but surely one thing’s common about them, and that’s wanting to be
understood by someone. And as a future mentor of these young people, I am
hopeful that the things I’ve learned will make me mature enough in handling my
destined protégé.