Adolescence

Meaning
The Origin of the word Adolescence is from the Latin verb 'adolescere', which means,
"to grow up." It can be defined as the transitional stage of development between
childhood and full adulthood,
Adolescence is largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage.
“In the stage between childhood and adulthood”.
“the period of time during which a person is biologically adult but emotionally not
at full maturity”.
During the period of adolescence, biological development and psychosocial development
overlap. A person's body undergoes dramatic changes.
Definitions
According to Rousseau, “The worst enemy of the youth is himself.”

Characteristics of adolescence
1. Biological growth
2. Undefined status
3. Increased decision making
4. Increased pressure
5. Search for self
Adolescent Stage & Role Of A Teacher
Adolescent period is the period of transition in the life of an individual. For boys,
between 14 to 21 and for girls between 12-21 year of age are the most striving and
impressionable period. At this stage, a teacher has to guide the students properly. This is
called the period of storm and stress. This is also the period of strength and energy.

A boat sails easily when the wind is favorable. So is the period of adolescent, if properly
guided, they can reach to their goals easily. At the same time, if they do not get proper
guidance then everything may go upside down.

A teacher has to understand the very nature of the students. All adolescents are not same.
They differ widely. A common approach may not function for all. Different attitudes
need different approaches. However, all the adolescents at this period are full of fantasy
and dreams. At this stage they must be kept busy from morn till bed-time
Many psychologists prefer sex education at this period. At this period, youths generally
involve in reading pornography, day-dreaming and hero worshipping in order to escape
the stark reality.
Free mixing of boys and girls are encouraged at this stage. Co-education helps proper
understandings of the opposite sex. Good books, spiritual guidance, ethics – all these may
bring mental equilibrium to adolescents.
A teacher is like a director or superintendent and he should help the pupils to teach
themselves.

auto education must be encouraged. Authoritarian position of the instructors is now over-
ruled. The teacher should be fit both physically and mentally to combat the variegated
problems of learners. A teacher, in order to be an ideal helper must be well informed
and should make himself attractive both in speech and dress.

Words should encourage students to go ahead and face the problems of life boldly.
A strong and stout teacher with mental and intellectual efficiency is now an ideal
teacher for the adolescents. The ready hand of a teacher would help to energize
adolescents to their proper growth and for the attainment of manhood or womanhood.