To explore one of the features of ‘growing up’

Aim

To explore one of the features of ‘growing up’: the multiple and sometimes contradictory expectations that different people have of young people.

Evidence and reflection

These issues can be explored through ‘picture maps’ about themselves. Students can draw or write about each perspective.

MY OWN SENSE OF MYSELF

Follow-up

The activity, as well as giving you insights into your students, may provide opportunities for discussion of how they could handle differing expectations of different people, and how it feels to feel uncertain of ‘who we are’. You may also be able to discuss who they wish to become … and are becoming.

More in this chapter

• To reflect on your own decision to become a teacher
• To compare your personal values with the statements developed by the range of bodies that define professional values
• To identify general aims which you hold for your students' learning
• To identify value commitments and ideologies through consideration of educational policy statements
• To analyse dimensions of our 'selves'
• To enhance your awareness of how social situations impact on your sense of self
• To adopt a courageous approach to risk-taking in our teaching
• To identify how students feel about themselves in a school context
• To find out young people's criteria for a 'good teacher'
• To find out students' views on school
• To begin to construct a biographical understanding of a student
• To attempt to 'get into the shoes' of your students
• To understand our perceptions of 'students'
• To develop your knowledge and understanding of students' peer cultures
• To consider the influence of relationships on the sense of identity and learning of a student
• To identify some needs of a selected number of students in one's class
• To review the learning of a student in the light of Susan Hart's 'Framework for Innovative Thinking'
• To encourage students to evaluate themselves and to review their work
• To develop insight in our identity and work as a teacher
• To provide an opportunity for students to analyse the teaching they experience
• To use different sources to deepen understanding about a particular student