EDU270 - Journal 7

After reading and pondering the debate about teens lacking adult reasoning capacity, yet being held to adult consequences, what do you think this means for you as a teacher?

    I am still trying to figure out this debate.  It is a tough question, one that makes me concern about my own teenagers.  I have fraternal twins boy/girl, who are 14 years old.  As a parent and as a teacher, we are always looking for answers on how to understand teenagers and their way of thinking and actions.  I often ask myself the question, "Why do teenagers lack adult reasoning"?  As of today, I still have not found the answer.  I do however feel that as a teacher, I need to be compassionate and understanding to my students.  I would certainly hope that my students can build the confidence and trust to ask me, as their teacher, any questions they might have about and difficulties or situations they are currently going through.  Sometimes teens feel more confident when speak with other adults versus family members.
   Then there is that whole controversy of "peer pressure".  I don't understand why some teens feel that they have to forcefully be someone they are not just to fit in with other "cool" or "popular" crowds, as they put it.  Doing so, causes teens to get into trouble and make wrong choices.  This is where teens get involved in drugs, shootings, fights, gangs and many other wrong doings.  As a teacher I will do my best to understand my students so that together we can develop a good student/teacher relationship.  I want to be able to play a huge role in their lives as my students and to teach them the skills necessary to move on in life.  I would love it if my students would always have something to remember me by and be able to share it with their children.  Teaching is not an easy profession but I have learned that if you can develop a good relationship with your students, it will make for a smoother transition when teaching.  I have been a substitute teacher for 4 years and have learned so much from being in the classroom.  You also have to really enjoy what you do and try and reason with all your students.