‘young adults’ that we are said to be.”
Greater Academic Expectations
Academic expectations increase considerably for middle level students, with teachers using more comparisons among students, emphasizing grades, and adults pressuring young adolescents to be prepared for high school. This emphasis doesn’t match the developmental levels of many middle level students (Brown & Knowles, 2014). Alex describes his challenges:
One of the biggest challenges of our age is school and the mixture of social life and grades. We are at the age where teachers are trying to get us ready for high school and loading us with work. This can be extremely stressful, especially if you don’t know how to manage it.
Carleigh notes how her parents raise the bar: “My parents always want me to succeed in school, sports, etc.; but, with this support comes pressure. They don’t purposely cause this, but I get overwhelmed with all of their expectations.”
Jay explains the academic challenges that many middle schoolers experience: “I don’t have good time-management skills, so it makes it extremely hard for me to juggle it all.” Organizational strategies are often an Achilles heel for young adolescents who often need explicit direction and instruction for organizing notebooks, their lockers, subject-area folders, and strategies for successfully completing challenging assignments. The philosophy that generated genuine middle level schools is grounded in recognizing that young adolescents are not in high school—they’re 10 to 15 years old, and they are acting their ages—which is not like someone who’s 16 to 18 years old—either socially, emotionally, or cognitively.
Social Milieu
Students clearly notice the often, daunting social scenarios of middle school of which teachers may be unaware. Carleigh describes how social events among classmates affect her: “In school, with my peers, there is so much drama going on; that it can be taxing on not only my time, but my energy.” Eddie mentions that “Social drama and bullying; mostly cyber,” are the toughest challenges for him; and Sarah, adds, “Social media has a big influence on our lives.
media has a big influence on our lives. Kids can get bullied on social media over every little thing, like hair or clothes. They can get depressed as a result.”
Social dilemmas affect students’ mindsets each day of schooling. Ally describes her concerns: “There is so much pressure on popularity and being perfect in middle school; and it’s hard to recognize your real from your fake friends.” The challenges of teaching young adolescents are exacerbated by the hidden socio-emotional events that can pervade their thoughts. Alex summarizes the task ahead for middle school students: “The most important thing is for students to find a balance between the two (school and social life); and we are at the age where we are figuring out where our balance is.”
Advice for Middle Level Teachers:
Respect for Students
Many students’ responses detailed the need for teachers to treat students respectfully. Jake suggests, “Don’t embarrass or yell at your students; especially in front of the class.” Maia encourages teachers to, “(R)ealize that their sarcastic humor and condescending demeanor will not make their students willing to listen and retain information.” Ally proclaims, “We hate to be compared; so just don’t do it.” Alex, a female student, completed her survey by noting, “Teachers aren’t supposed to judge you, they’re supposed to teach you. However, learning can be difficult when the teacher doesn’t care for you and is picking favorites.”
One piece of advice from Hope should be a required character trait for teachers: “You need a sense of humor. We are trapped in one building all day with the same people, and we like to laugh and joke around sometimes.” These comments are an indication that young adolescents’ motivation, attitudes, and efforts are affected by respectful and caring relationships. Positive interpersonal connections with students have a greater impact on student learning than effective instructional processes (Brown & Knowles, 2014).
What Students Want Us to Know
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