1. Cognitive Development Adolescence

2. Getting Older…and Smarter Experience significant intellectual growth Due to changes in the brain and in part to gain in education and life experience

3. Changes in the Brain Brain starts to grow again just before puberty Continues to mature for several years Prefrontal cortex goes through the most dramatic changes Sits just behind the forehead and controls planning, organization, prioritizing, and other complex thought processes Growth of this area makes it possible for teens to reason better and control impulses

4. Changes in the Brain Teens tend to rely on amygdala area of the brain Controls fear, joy and other emotions Teens tend to think emotionally rather then logically most of the time Can lead to impulsive actions based on instinct Researchers consider the adolescent brain to be a work in progress as it grows, adapts and reviews the information that it stores

5. Theories of Teen Intellectual Development Piaget: Formal Operations 4 th and final stage Become capable of abstract thinking Consider what if situations, create relevant arguments and reason from different points of view Organize thoughts Solutions to everyday problems Some argue that Piaget’s theory is too rigid, and that he has underestimated the influence of culture

6. Impact of Educational Experiences Regardless of theorist or theory, all agree that education has a great impact on learning School experience is particularly important for teenagers Besides brain growth, classroom environment, discipline and guidance and involvement of parents influence learning

7. Impact of Educational Experiences Positive and stimulating environment = greater learning Students who respect their teachers are more open to learn Students who feel comfortable in the class generally have a more positive attitude about school. Usually means more learning occurs

8. Role of Parents Although teens are often embarrassed by their parents, they need and want their support Regular attendance and effort in school is necessary for learning to occur – parents need to encourage and support this Need to offer assistance and support of learning outside of school also