Understanding Youth: Adolescent Development for Educators

by Michael J. Nakkula, Eric Toshalis

Adolescent development research and theory have tremendous potential to inform the work of high school teachers, counselors, and administrators. Understanding Youth bridges the gap between adolescent development theory and practice.

Nakkula and Toshalis explore how factors such as social class, peer and adult relationships, gender norms, and the media help to shape adolescents’ sense of themselves and their future expectations and aspirations.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, School, Psychology

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2006

Reviews

[Eric Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this text a lot, especially for how easily it reads. My only major complaint was the sheer amount of space and text devoted to the development of faith, something that I see as important, but do not necessarily agree with in the context of teachers allowing for its exploration in the classroom.

[Rachel DeWeese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly hope that one day my classroom will encourage relationally-based learning and that my students will recognize it has a homespace for them as they go through all the changes that come with their extremely important identity crises.

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely outdated, but good information on adolescent psychology.

[Aura]

I got this to help me better understand youth psychology. I haven't finished it yet.

[Carrie]

"Our work in schools is identity work"

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tad too academic...but definitely some useful/practical information.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nakkula does a nice job of offering practical vignettes, while at the same time incorporating good theory explanations. A worthwhile read for educators working with adolescents.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great primer for adolescent development, which breaks down identity into easily digestible themes.