Topic 8: Identity
The question explored in this topic discussion is: what do I view as my main role as a teacher in helping adolescents develop identity and morality?
This is a loaded question because helping students develop their identities or moralities stipulates some form of imprinting of my personal values and beliefs onto them. For example, my definition of "good" may include staying away from drug use, but the student might believe it is possible to still be a "good person" even if one occasionally uses recreational drugs.
One paper suggests that connectedness was a measurably significant factor in determining healthy adolescent identity development (Cooper, Grotevant, & Condon, 1983). Teens who felt a stronger bond or connection with an adult in the family were more likely to develop a stronger sense of role-taking and responsibility (Cooper, Grotevant, & Condon, 1983).
Then perhaps the most effective way to help students develop their identities is not by doing, but rather by being; I feel that in order to foster a meaningful connection with students, one must base that effort in genuine relationship building. Therefore, healthy identity development is not something you can explicitly teach to a student, per se, but should rather be seen as something to work towards by building meaningful relationships.
Ultimately, my belief that drug use is bad might be considered by an adolescent if they develop an understanding of why I am giving them the advice I am. This comes though connection. If I make an effort to know my students, I can develop empathy between us where the student can come to see things from my view.
Additional Resources
1. YouTube video about suicidal transgendered teens struggling with gender identity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aChK3jPHbN4
2. YouTube video about identity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikGVWEvUzNM
3. Article about the relationship between music and identity: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1461380990010107
4. Article about adolescent exploration of identity: http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1996-14065-001
References
Cooper, C. R., Grotevant, H. D., & Condon, S. M. (1983). Individuality and connectedness in the family as a context for adolescent identity formation and role‐taking skill. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development,1983(22), 43-59.