This course will consider adolescent development from biological, psychological, cognitive and social perspectives, and provide insights into the rapid changes that occur during the adolescent period.  Topics include adolescent thinking and brain development, social-emotional and moral development, gender and sexual identity, and ethnic, racial, and cultural identity.  These are explored from a cross-cultural perspective and provide insights into differences seen in school settings.  The multiple worlds that adolescents inhabit and the influence and importance of peers, friendships and social media are examined.  The role of non-cognitive skills in school success and the fostering of academic identity are discussed.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic theoretical frameworks and research associated
2. with adolescence.
3. Articulate the major life tasks, transitional periods, and developmental factors that
4. place adolescents at-risk for poor cognitive, psychological, physiological, and socio-emotional
5. development.
6. Identify and develop high-Impact pedagogical practices that help adolescents to stay resilient within the school context.
7. Connect theory to practice by synthesizing and applying principles, theories, and
8. research on adolescents through application and reflective assignments.

 Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – History & Theoretical Overview

Week 2: Unit 2 – Biological Foundations: Puberty, Physical Health, & Psychological Adjustment

Week 3: Unit 3 – Cognition

Week 4: Unit 4 – Achievement Motivation in School

Week 5: Unit 5 – Identity Development

Week 6: Unit 6 – Sexuality

Week 7: Unit 7 – Moral Development

Week 8: Unit 8 – Family and Peers

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: History & Theoretical Overview

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: Biological Foundations: Puberty, Physical Health, & Psychological Adjustment

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: Cognition

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin and participate in the Group Activity (Due Unit 6)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 4: Achievement Motivation in School

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 5: Identity Development

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 6: Sexuality

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 7: Moral Development

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 8: Family and Peers

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation