Adolescent Development: Introducing the Basics

Learning Activities developed for the

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, 2006

Contents
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Lesson I: Psychological Development
• Lesson II: Moral Reasoning
• Lesson III: Youth Development Theories & Models I
• Lesson IV: Youth Development Theories & Models II
• Lesson V: Sexual Maturation of the Female/Male Adolescent

Introduction
The following lessons are designed to help explain the changes that occur in
youth during adolescence and the effect these changes have on the workforce
development and education aspects of their lives. In turn, practitioners
participating in these lessons will be able to work more effectively with youth
during this phase of life when adolescents are attempting to identify and
formulate their self-image, values, and ideals along with gaining independence
from their parents or guardians. Through a better understanding of adolescent
development, practitioners will be better prepared to help youth establish goals
and strengthen decision-making skills, help youth explore occupations, and
discuss with youth the best mix of education, training, and work experience for
their prospective industry or career choice.

Objectives
Through the information and activities, participants will be able to:

I.1.1A Identify, describe and critique youth development theories and models,
such as Forum for Youth Investment’s Five Areas of Youth Development, Search
Institute’s "Developmental Assets" Theory, NCWD/Y's Youth Development and
Youth Leadership Areas, Kohlberg’s Moral Reasoning theory, and Erikson and
Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory

I.1.1B Describe adolescent & human development in terms of physical, cognitive,

emotional, social, and behavioral factors and developmental systems theory

I.1.1C Relate youth development and adolescent/human development to their

work place setting and daily practice with youth.

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 Lesson I:
PSCYHOLOGICAL & COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Objective
The practitioner will:
Learn about several theories of adolescent psychological development and their
applications to workforce development:

The practitioner will be able to:

1. Talk about the three stages of adolescence
2. Discuss several theories of cognitive development
3. Apply these stages and theories to their work with youth

Procedure
Read:

BACKGROUND ON: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

ADOLESCENT
Adolescent maturation is a personal phase of development where youth have to
establish their own beliefs, values, and what they want to accomplish out of life.
Because adolescents constantly appraise themselves in a variety of ways, they
are often characterized as being extremely self-conscious. However, the self-
evaluation process leads to the beginning of long-range goal setting, emotional
and social independence, and the making of a mature adult.

Three distinct stages can be identified in the psychological development of the

adolescent, even though there is a great deal of overlap in the stages, and they
may not occur during the age span indicated.

During early adolescence (ages 11-13), development usually centers around

developing a new self-image due to their physiological changes. This stage is
characterized by attempts to become independent and leave childhood behind.
“Fitting in” with the crowd and conformity are also key characteristics.
Adolescents need to make use of their newly acquired skills of logical thinking
and ability to make judgments rationally.

At ages 14-15 (the period known as mid-adolescence), adolescents strive to

loosen their ties to their parents, and their emotions and intellectual capacities
increase. The adolescent becomes adventuresome and experiments with
different ideas. This plays an important role in finding one’s relations to oneself,
groups, and the opposite sex. During this time, the adolescent battles over
her/his own set of values versus those established by parents and other adult
figures. The adolescent also begins to take on more control of educational
and vocational pursuits and advantages. It is during this time that

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adolescents’ self-dependence and a sense of responsibility become apparent,
along with their quest to contribute to society and find their place in it.

During late adolescence (ages range from 16 on), adolescents have a more
stable sense of their identity and place in society. At this stage in life they should
feel psychologically integrated and should have a fairly consistent view of the
outside world. Adolescents should, by this time, have established a balance
between their aspirations, fantasies, and reality. In order for them to achieve this
balance they should be displaying concern for others through giving and caring,
instead of the earlier childhood pattern of self-gratification. At the conclusion of
late adolescence they should have designed or discovered their role in society,
have set a realistic goal in life, and have begun in earnest to achieve it.

Using Developmental Psychology to Understand the Adolescent

Explaining the psychological development of adolescents is difficult due to the

lack of empirical research and the great variety of adolescent behavioral modes.
However, developmental psychologists have formulated theories describing
human psychological development which are useful in understanding
adolescents. They demonstrate sequential patterns of development and make
some rough estimates about the ages at which adolescents should demonstrate
particular developmental characteristics. Because of the great benefits that
developmental psychology offers both practitioners and parents in suggesting
ways to help children in our society, and its usefulness in identifying children who
lack skills, this unit will conclude by exploring three significant theories to show
how they characterize adolescent development in the areas of cognition, moral
reasoning, and establishing identity.

In developing strategies for youth that utilize these theories, a practitioner must
find the overall level at which the group of youth is functioning. For example,
once Piaget’s theory is reviewed, the practitioner should develop lessons which
will help youth move from the concrete level of thinking to the formal operational
stage. This unit includes two activities in which Piaget’s theory is performed with
a group of adolescents. As you read the lesson plans based on Piaget’s theory, it
is the behavioral tasks that are important not the outcome. The more advanced
the adolescents performing the experiment, the more systematically they will
perform the task.

Upon completion of this exercise, the practitioner will discover the connection
between Piaget’s theory and Erickson’s psychosocial theory. In order for the
adolescent to develop a sense of industry (See Erickson’s theory below for
explanation), adolescents must feel that they are successful in school and in
youth programs. Therefore, when adolescents complete “hands-on” academic or
work-related tasks, they will feel good about themselves. Review of Erickson’s
theory below will stress to the practitioner the critical importance of identity
development within the adolescent. In the lesson plans provided in this

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curriculum unit, you will find exercises that will help adolescents critically think
about their personalities and future vocation.

Another vital aspect of adolescent psychological development includes the

evolution of values through moral reasoning. Lawrence KohIberg’s theory on
moral development provides valuable insight into the evolution of moral
reasoning within human beings. This theory provides practitioners a basis for
understanding how this aspect of adolescent psychological development occurs
and helps to categorize the level at which the adolescent reasons.

According to KohIberg’s theory, adolescents should be provided with hypothetical

dilemmas where they can explore their feelings and openly discuss their
viewpoints in choosing between conflicting scenarios. Through their discussions,
adolescents become more aware of their power to make choices and decisions
about their lives. Lesson plans reflecting this theory have been included involving
two hypothetical situations which help to guide adolescent moral reasoning
through group discussion. The practitioner’s role in the lessons will be to act as a
facilitator in encouraging the youths to voice and accept opinions of others.

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget dedicated most of his life’s work to understanding how children
develop intellectually. His work on cognitive development is the most complete
theory available today and is widely used. (Pulaski, 1970) According to Piaget’s
theory, children progress through four stages in their cognitive development—
seriomotor (birth to two years of age), pre-operational (2 to 7 years of age),
concrete operational (7 to 11 years of age) and formal operational (11 to 15
years of age). Each of these stages represents a qualitative leap forward in the
child’s ability to solve problems and reason logically.

As children enter adolescence, their cognitive abilities lie somewhere between

Piaget’s third stage of cognitive development—the period of concrete
operational—and the fourth, or last stage—formal operational. During the
concrete operational stage, children begin to understand the concept of
conservation. From the Piaget perspective, conservation means that children
realize that quantities remain the same, even if they are placed in containers of
different shapes and sizes. The adolescent also becomes less egocentric, that is,
he now understands that everyone does not see things in the same way that he
does. The adolescent also becomes capable of reasoning deductively,
performing simple operations with physical objects, and applying logic to arrive at
conclusions. Even though adolescents at the latter part of this stage display
some cognitive maturity, they still are incapable of thinking abstractly. During this
stage, things are understood concretely and literally. For example, you cannot
say: “That was the straw that broke the camels back,” and expect the child to
understand what you are talking about. Unrealistic math problems such as: if a

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dog has six legs, then how many legs will four dogs have, will result in a child
arguing that a dog does not have six legs.

However, once the adolescent enters the last stage—formal operational – he/she
develops the ability to test hypotheses in a mature, scientific manner. They can
communicate their position on complex ethical issues, and become capable of
thinking abstractly. They can discuss abstract terms such as freedom or liberty
without difficulty.

Although Piaget was not interested in formal teaching strategies, practitioners

can apply Piaget’s concepts. Examples of Piaget’s theory being used in school
includes: (1) using Piaget-like tasks to determine the intellectual ability of children
and adolescents; (2) working with children and adolescents with cognitive levels
in mind; (3) being careful to sequence instruction; (4) using assessments children
and adolescents to determine what they have learned; (5) encouraging social
interaction to facilitate learning, and (6) remembering that the thought processes
of children and adolescents are not the same as adults. Piaget’s theory could be
applied to program settings in similar ways.

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theories

Psychosocial theorists based the development of identity on the outcome of

crises that occur during the life of a person. Psychosocial theorists define crises
as times at which a person actively focuses on, and questions, aspects of his/her
identity. Erickson’s psychosocial theory states that human beings develop
according to a preset plan, the epigenetic principle, that consist of two main
elements. First, personality develops according to a predetermined pattern that is
maturationally set. Second, each society is structured to encourage challenges
that arise during these times.

According to Erikson’s theory, individuals proceed through eight stages of

development which begin at birth and conclude at death. If the particular crisis is
handled appropriately, the outcome will be positive. If not, then a negative
outcome will be the result. The two stages which involve conflicts that
significantly affect early and late adolescent development are stage 4, the latency
state (ages 6-11), and stage 5, puberty and adolescence (ages 12-18).

Stage four of Erikson’s theory occurs during the middle school years when
children must master skills in math, reading, and writing, basic skills which are
necessary for almost any career path. At that time the child is faced with the
conflict of industry versus inferiority. If the child masters the skills, the child
develops a sense of industry and has a positive view of the achievement and
their own abilities. However, if a child doesn’t meet the expectations of mastering
these skills and is constantly criticized, then he/she may develop a feeling of
inferiority.

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The fifth psychosocial stage occurs during the ages of 11-18. Adolescents begin
to consider their futures and decide on careers. During this stage, they face the
conflict of identity versus role confusion. If the adolescent formulates a satisfying
plan of action about his/her future, the outcome is positive and establishment of
identity is achieved. Adolescents who do not develop this sense of identity may
develop “role confusion” and aimlessly move through life without any plan of
action or sense of security about their future.

Erikson’s theory demonstrates the importance of helping children establish their

identity upon reaching adolescence. The child must master academic skills in
order to feel positive about him/herself. In addition to monitoring skill mastery, the
educator must cover the topic of career exploration, and expose the youth to as
many career choices as possible. Should the youth show interest in a certain
occupation, then exposure to the right vocational program or academic track can
help him/her successfully pursue a goal.

KohIberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning

Lawrence Kohlberg viewed development in terms of different levels of reasoning

applied to choices people make in their lives. This type of moral reasoning occurs
throughout a person’s life and depends on an individual’s social interaction. A
person evolves from one level of reasoning to another as he/she is able to
understand the higher level of reasoning and is able to experience in social
interactions a conflict that imples then to accept the newer, higher-level values.
KohIberg viewed moral reasoning in three levels which included six sequential
stages. KohIberg perceived these stages as universal, that is, no stage is ever
skipped, and applicable to all cultures. Kohlberg stressed that the actual
decisions people make are not important, but that the reasoning behind the
decisions was important. This reasoning determines which stage of development
a child is in.

Unlike the other theories discussed above, Kohlberg’s developmental levels and
stages are not related to age. Developmental levels are determined by the
dilemmas people face and the reasoning they apply in making decisions to
resolve these dilemmas. The levels of development range from reasoning based
upon self-gratification (preconventional morality), to reasoning based upon
conformity (conventional morality) to reasoning based upon individual values that
have been internalized (postconventional morality). As each level and its
respective stages are discussed below, it is important to remember that youths
will function at a level or stage more so than others. Determination of the stage at
which an youth is functioning must be determined by observation and evaluation
of the reasoning applied by the child to the dilemmas he/she faces.

Level One: Preconventional Morality

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At this level, the child makes decisions based on cultural roles of what is
considered to be right or wrong. The reasoning applied is based upon reward
and punishment and the satisfaction of their own needs. This level is divided into
two stages.

Stage One Punishment and Obedience Orientation.

The person acting in this level avoids breaking rules because he/she may be
punished. The individual demonstrates complete deference to rules. Often the
interests of others are not considered.

Stage Two Instrumental Relativist Orientation.

The reasoning applied during this stage is the one that satisfies the needs of the
individual and sometimes the needs of others. However, the only reason that the
individual helps another is because a deal has been made where the person the
individual helps owes him/her something.

Level Two: Conventional Morality

Conformity is the most important aspect at this level. The individual conforms to
the expectation of others, including the general social order. KohIberg has
identified two stages within this level.

Stage Three Interpersonal concordance or “Good Boy/Nice Girl

Orientation.”
Living up to the expectations of others and good behavior are the important
considerations for the individual in this stage. There is an emphasis on gaining
approval by being nice.

Stage Four “Law and Order” Orientation.

The person acting in this stage is oriented towards authority and maintaining the
social order. The emphasis is on doing one’s duty and showing respect for
authority.

Level Three: Postconventional Morality

People who are in this level make decisions on the basis of individual values that
have been internalized. These values are not dependent on one’s friends, family,
or group, but totally on the individual making the decision. The stages of
reasoning also comprise this level.

Stage Five Social Contract, Legalistic Orientation.

In this stage, correct behavior is defined in terms of individual rights and the
consensus of society. Right is a matter of personal opinion and values, but there
is an emphasis on the legal point of view present here.

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Stage Six Universal Ethical Principle Orientation.
In this highest stage, the correct behavior is defined as a decision of conscience
in accordance with self-chosen ethical principles that are logical, universal and
consistent. These are very abstract guidelines. (Kohlberg and Kramer, 1969)

Questions to Consider for Professionals Working with Adolescents

Source: ReCAPP,
http://www.etr.org/recapp/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.TheoriesDetail&PageID=339

• How does the work that you (or your organization) do incorporate what we
know about adolescent development?

• Are the program activities you are currently implementing appropriate to

adolescent physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral
development? What evidence do you have to support your answer?

• How would you adapt the current program you are using to better meet
the developmental capacities of the early, middle and late adolescent?
How would the program change for the three different stages of
adolescence?

• How well do you think the adults working with teens you know understand
and apply adolescent development principles to the work they do with
teens?

• If your answer to the last question was something like "not so well," then
how might you open the dialogue about adolescent development with
these adults?

Other possible Mini-Activities

1. From an assigned life stage, identify a specific issue or condition, i.e.

biological, psychological, or social, that developmental theory has
consistently associated with the life stage. Develop a presentation that
includes:

• An overview of the issue or condition (define and describe the issue or

condition);
• Link potential individual outcomes to family and community systems.
• Social and developmental theories: Discuss the underlying relationship
between individuals in the assigned life stage and factors that put them at
risk for the identified issue or condition.

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2. Acquire techniques for observing, recording, and reporting observable
behaviors of "at-risk" children and adolescents.

• Define anecdotal and documentation recording procedure.

• Record at least five observations of either child or adolescent behavior per
week, ensuring subject confidentiality.
• Compare observed behaviors to published milestones or age expectancy.
• Recognize observable symptoms of visual, hearing, speech, learning and
behavior disorder.
• Identify inappropriate behaviors as either normal, problem or referable,
based
published milestones
• Describe possible intervention strategies involving youth, parent, and
organizational staff to reduce specific identified inappropriate behaviors.
• Demonstrate skills for recommending appropriate placement in
programs based upon knowledge of the individual's learning level and
stage of development.

3. Implementation of Youth Work Philosophy Observation Assignment

GOAL: For you to consider WHY practitioners do what they do in the

program setting and the match between beliefs and practices.

For the following five exercises, jot down your notes in a journal.
Do each exercise during different activities, perhaps with different practitioners.

A. Describe how principles of reinforcement are used to manipulate youths'

behavior during an activity. Think how subtle methods are used such as
verbal praise.

Encouraging Desirable Behavior:

• Negative: removing something bad, i.e. "Okay, because you were so
cooperative in group today, I won't keep you after for five minutes."
• Positive: giving something good, i.e. "Thank you for being so
cooperative in group today, you can work on the computer today."

Discouraging Undesirable Behavior:

• Punishment: give something bad, i.e. "Stop fighting, you’ll have to stop
working with this group" or removing something good, i.e. "You have
talked too much during this session so you will not be able to leave the
program early today."

How effective do you believe the use of behaviorist principles were in

these instances? What were the short term effects? What do you think will
be the long term effects?

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B. Look for evidence that these guiding principles of constructivism are being
used:
• Posing problems of emerging relevance to youth
• Structuring learning around primary concepts: the quest for
essence (What is this really all about? Looking for main points or
themes.)
• Seeking and valuing youths' points of view
• Adapting curriculum/program to address youths' suppositions and
ideas
• Assessing youth learning in the context of program activities

Describe your findings.

What were the short term effects of the lack or presence of these
principles in the given setting? What will be the long term effects?

C. Describe the practitioner’s goals for the activity.

• What are the content goals? Who decided what the content should
be?
• What is the purpose of this activity? Is it for the individual (i.e. to
create
• individual meaning)? For "society" (i.e. to acquire unchanging
ideas)?
• What methods are used to educate the youth?
• Do youth make decisions regarding the curriculum/program they
follow?

Of the theorists you have explored, who do you think this practitioner’s
philosophy is similar to? Why? Do you think this philosophy is effective for
this group of youths? Why? What other philosophy might be more
effective? Why?

D. Ask the practitioner you observed for exercise (C ) about his/her

philosophy of youth work. Try to get answers to our four questions. What
is the purpose of this activity? What methods are used? What is the
content? (and who decides?) What is youths' role? Do not necessarily ask
these specific questions, but try to get a feel for why the practitoner does
what he/she does.

E. From your perspective, did the practitioner observed in exercise (C )

match her/his philosophy with his/her practice? Why? Why not? Reflect on
how you might create a match between your philosophy/beliefs. What
types of things would you do in your program that would indicate to an
observer what your philosophy of youth work is?

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 F. Using notes from your journal, SUMMARIZE your findings from the five
exercises. What did you learn from the exercises? What aspects of the
experience were valuable? What aspects of the experience were less
valuable? What might make it more valuable?

4. Intellectual, Social, and Physical Development of Youth - Observation

Assignment

GOAL: For you to consider the role that youth’s cognitive, social, and
physical development plays in the situations that you are observing.

OVERVIEW: Observe a couple of settings while you think of the

perspectives outlined in the Topics A through C below. Write in your
journal answers to questions under those topics.

A. Emotional and Practical Intelligences

In your observations of youth so far, which youth appear to have higher

emotional intelligence? Which have higher practical intelligence? What
does that mean? How might the practitioner be affecting or utilizing
youths’ emotional or practical intelligence in this program? Why do you
think so? In what ways might you nurture or capitalize on the emotional or
practical intelligence of the youth in this program? Write your answers to
these questions in your journal.

B. Multiple Intelligences

Many have suggested a number of ways to address multiple intelligences

in the program and/or informal settings. In what ways are youths’ different
intelligences evident in this program? In job interviews, a typical question
is “How would you address the multiple intelligences of your youth?” How
would you adjust your activities with youth to affect and utilize their
multiple intelligences? Write your answers to these questions in your
journal.

C. Social and Physical Development

Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development indicate that children are

developing a sense of themselves at an early age. A critical time for girls
occurs when they are developing confidence in themselves, particularly as
they begin to look more like women—for boys, particularly as they begin to
look like men, “try on personalities”. How do you think this stage of
development affects the dynamics and interactions in your situation or in
the informal settings you are observing? Consider each youth and their

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 personal lives with family and friends. How might an awareness of these
development and personal relationships impact your program design and
interactions? Write your answers to these questions in your journal?

5. Motivation in the Program - Observation Assignment

GOAL: For you to consider WHY adolescents do what they do and

evidence of motivational principles in program settings.

OVERVIEW: observe two different groups with the following

perspectives. Interview youth and staff about motivation issues. As you
do this, write your findings in your journal. Write a paper summarizing
your findings.

A. Observing Practitioner Expectations

Using the tally sheet (See Activity 5 Worksheet Part 1) regarding general
focus, for each participation/interaction with the practitioner, note the
youth’s name and make a tally in the appropriate column.

B. In the same setting, choose two youth. Choose one "low" and one
"high". (In your reflection explain how you have defined these terms.)
Tally the marks on the individuals’ focus handout.

6. Choose at least two youths in a class. Choose youths who seem to have
different levels/types of motivation. Interview them regarding their motivation
in class. Why do they choose to do what they do in class--participate, do
assignments, etc. or not participate, do assignments, etc.?

7. Interview practitioners regarding participant motivation in class or activities.

Why he/she think youths do what the practitioner wants them to do? Why do
youths choose to not do what the staff wants them to do? Write a brief
reflection regarding your discussion.

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 Activity 5 Worksheet Part 1
Observing Expectations
General Class Focus
Directions: For each participation/interaction with the practitioner, note the
youth's name and make a tally in the appropriate column.

Youth Volunteered to Asks for Help Receives Praise (P)

Contribute Orally or Correction (C)

Observing Practitioner Expectations

Individual Youth’s Focus
Tallies/Notes
Behaviors Youth A: "High" Youth B: "Low"
Non-verbal behavior
1. Smiles, nods, touches
affectionately, etc.
2. Frowns, ignores, touches
roughly, etc.
Questioning
3. Asks a question
4. Probes, encourages
youth to respond
5. Praises responses
6. Criticizes response
Instruction
7. Gives instruction,
teaches
8. Evidence of ability
grouping
Other Interaction
9. Positive interaction, e.g.,
identifying important points
youth made
10. Negative interaction,
e.g.
reprimanding
Other observations:

Adapted from Allyn and Bacon, Educational Psychology (1993)

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 Activity 5 Worksheet Part 2

Questions for Practitioners to Ask to Help Them

Monitor Behavior Toward High and Low Achievers
Stipek, D. Motivation to Learn. (1988)

1. Am I as friendly with low-achieving youth as I am with high-achieving youth?

2. Do I praise or encourage "lows" when they initiate comments?
3. Do I stay with "lows" in failure situations?
4. Do I praise "lows" only for performance that is truly deserving of praise (i.e.
that required real effort)?
5. Do I call on "lows" in public situations?
6. How often do "lows" have positive success experiences in public situations?
7. Are "lows" placed in a "low group" and treated as group members rather than
individuals?
8. Are "lows" needlessly criticized for wrong answers or failures to respond?
9. Do I ignore the minor inappropriate behavior of "lows," or do mild violations of
program rules bring on strong reprimands?
10. Do I make assignments variable, interesting, and challenging for "lows"?
11. How frequently do "lows" have a chance to evaluate their own work and to
make important decisions?
12. What are the work preferences of individual youth--do they like to work in
pairs--and how often are those work preferences honored?
13. Do I intervene with "highs" when they are having difficulty?
14. Do I praise "highs" regardless of their effort or the quality of their
performance?

Youth Motivation

In your journal, write out observed examples of at least 3 of the following

motivational issues then answer the questions below:

Ability Conceptions:
Youth who see ability as something that develops as the result of effort and
persistence vs. youth who do not expect to succeed and who see ability as a
fixed quantity.

Task Orientation:
Youth who are performance oriented vs. Task oriented Interest
Adolescents who are intrinsically motivated vs. Extrinsically motivated

Autonomy:
Youth who are highly dependent on the practitioner v s. Independent from the
practitioner and able to take responsibility.

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Utility Value:
Youth who perceive the usefulness of an activity/connections to life outside the
program vs. Youths who perceive the activity as useless and abstract.

• How do you think the issues raised affect the individual young person
involved?
• How do you think the issues in each example affect the whole group of
youth?
• How do you think the issues in each example affect the practitioner's
actions?

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 Lesson II:

KOHLBERG’S THEORY OF MORAL REASONING

Objectives

The participant will:

1. Discuss the three levels at which youths and adults reason.

2. Identify the six stages involved in the three levels.

Procedure

1. Using the information in the section titled “Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral

Development,” explain the three levels at which people reason.
2. Explain the two levels underneath each section.
3. Make up situations for each of the six stages.

Evaluation: Have participants list and explain the six stages of Kohlberg’s
Theory of Moral Reasoning.

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 Lesson III:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT THEORIES & MODELS

All effective youth programs have youth development at their core and all effective
youth leadership programs build on solid youth development principles. This lesson
focuses on Youth Development Theories (see Module IV, Unit IV.3 for Youth
Leadership lessons). Based on its research of existing definitions, NCWD/Youth has
adopted the following working definition of youth development adapted from NYEC and
National Collaboration for Youth: youth development is a process which prepares
young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a
coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences which help them to
become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. Positive
youth development addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to
deficit-based models that focus solely on youth problems.

Objective

Participants will:

1. Understand NCWD/Youth’s working definition of youth development adapted

from NYEC and National Collaboration for Youth
2. Distinguish between youth development and youth leadership definitions
3. Identify, compare and contrast a variety of youth development models
4. Investigate the five developmental areas identified by the Forum for Youth
Investment, 2001: working, learning, thriving, connecting, and leading as an
effective framework for understanding youth development.

Procedure

Participants should read NCWD/Youth Youth Development & Youth Leadership

Background Paper available for free at: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/youth-
development/white-paper.

Participants would be asked to produce or engage in a variety of activities that would

help prepare them to better prepare youth in the five areas of development: working,
learning, thriving, connecting, and leading. Suggested activities are listed below that
correspond to the NCWD/Youth Five Areas of Development with Related Outcomes and
Activities Chart.

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 Chart A. Five Areas of Development with Related Outcomes and Activities

Suggested Activities
Intended Youth Outcomes
Working • Meaningful engagement in own career • Career exploration activities including career
development process interest assessment, job shadowing, job and
career fairs, and workplace visits and tours
• Demonstrated skill in work readiness • Internships
• Work experience, including summer
• Awareness of options for future employment
employment, careers, and professional • Information on entrepreneurship
development • Networking activities
• Mock interviews
• Completion of educational requirements • Work readiness workshops
or involvement in training that • Visits from representatives of specific
culminates in a specific vocation or industries to speak to youth about the
opportunity for career advancement employment opportunities and details of
working within their industry
• Established involvement in meaningful • Mock job searches, including locating positions
work that offers advancement, online and in the newspaper, “cold-calling,”
satisfaction, and self-sufficiency preparing resumes, and writing cover letters and
thank-you letters
• Positive attitude about one’s ability and • Visits to education or training programs
future in working in a particular • Career goal setting and planning
industry or the opportunities to grow • Job coaching or mentoring
into another
• Learning activities using computers and other
current workplace technology
Learning • Basic aptitude in math and reading • Initial and ongoing skills assessment, formal
and informal
• Rational problem solving • Initial and ongoing career and vocational
assessment, formal and informal
• Ability to think critically toward a • Identification of one’s learning styles, strengths,
positive outcome and challenges
• Creation of a personal development plan
• Logical reasoning based on personal • Contextualized learning activities such as
experience service-learning projects in which youth apply
academic skills to community needs
• Ability to determine one’s own skills • Monitoring of and accountability for own
and areas of academic weakness or need grades and creation of a continuous
for further education and training improvement plan based on grades and goals
• Showcase of work that highlights a youth’s
• Sense of creativity learning experience (e.g. an essay, a painting,
an algebra exam, etc.)
• Appreciation and the foundation for • Development of a formal learning plan that
lifelong learning, including a desire for includes long- and short-term goals and action
further training and education, the steps
knowledge of needed resources for said • Group problem-solving activities
18
In the table above, column one outlines the five areas of development identified by Ferber,
Pittman, & Marshall (2002). Columns two and three list specific intended outcomes and
suggested program activities identified by NCWD/Youth through its extensive review of the
literature and existing practices.
 Chart A. Five Areas of Development with Related Outcomes and Activities

Suggested Activities
Intended Youth Outcomes
training, and willingness for further • Preparation classes for GED, ACT, SAT, etc.
planning • Peer tutoring activities that enhance the skills of
the tutor and the student

Thriving • Understanding of growth and • Workshops on benefits and consequences of

development as both an objective and a various health, hygiene, and human
personal indicator of physical and development issues, including physical, sexual,
emotional maturation and emotional development
• Role playing adverse situations and how to
• Knowledge and practice of good resolve them
nutrition and hygiene • Personal and peer counseling
• Training in conflict management and resolution
• Developmentally appropriate exercise concerning family, peer, and workplace
(will vary depending on age, maturity, relationships
and range of physical abilities) • Community mapping to create a directory of
resources related to physical and mental health
• Ability to identify situations of safety • Meal planning and preparation activities
and make safe choices on a daily basis • Social activities that offer opportunities to
practice skills in communication, negotiation,
• Ability to assess situations and and personal presentation
environments independently • Sports and recreational activities
• Training in life skills
• Capacity to identify and avoid unduly
risky conditions and activities

• Ability to learn from adverse situations

and avoid them in the future

• Confidence and sense of self-worth in

relation to their own physical and
mental status

19
In the table above, column one outlines the five areas of development identified by Ferber,
Pittman, & Marshall (2002). Columns two and three list specific intended outcomes and
suggested program activities identified by NCWD/Youth through its extensive review of the
literature and existing practices.
 Chart A. Five Areas of Development with Related Outcomes and Activities

Suggested Activities
Intended Youth Outcomes
Connecting • Quality relationships with adults and • Mentoring activities that connect youth to adult
peers mentors
• Tutoring activities that engage youth as tutors
• Interpersonal skills such as ability to or in being tutored
build trust, handle conflict, value • Research activities identifying resources in the
differences, listen actively, and community to allow youth to practice
communicate effectively conversation and investigation skills
• Letter writing to friends, family members, and
• Sense of belonging and membership pen pals
(i.e., valuing and being valued by • Job and trade fairs to begin building a network
others, being a part of a group or greater of contacts in one’s career field of interest
whole) • Role plays of interview and other workplace
scenarios
• Ability to empathize with others • Positive peer and group activities that build
camaraderie, teamwork, and belonging
• Sense of one’s own identity apart from • Cultural activities that promote understanding
and in relation to others and tolerance

• Knowledge of and ability to seek out

resources in the community

• Ability to network to develop personal

and professional relationships

Youth Leadership Program specific:

• Ability to communicate to get a point • Workshops in public speaking
across • Research on historical or current leaders
• Contact with local leaders
• Ability to influence others • Strategic planning to change something in the
community or within the youth program
• Ability to motivate others

• Ability to seek out role models who

have been leaders

• Ability to be a role model for others

20
In the table above, column one outlines the five areas of development identified by Ferber,
Pittman, & Marshall (2002). Columns two and three list specific intended outcomes and
suggested program activities identified by NCWD/Youth through its extensive review of the
literature and existing practices.
 Chart A. Five Areas of Development with Related Outcomes and Activities

Suggested Activities
Intended Youth Outcomes
Leading • Ability to articulate personal values • Personal plan development with goals, action
steps, and deadlines
• Awareness of how personal actions • Resource mapping activities in which youth
impact the larger communities take the lead in planning and carrying out a
search of community resources for youth
• Ability to engage in the community in • Voter registration and voting in local, state, and
a positive manner federal elections
• Participation in town hall meetings
• Respect and caring for oneself and • Community volunteerism such as organizing a
others park clean-up or building a playground
• Participation in a debate on a local social issue
• Sense of responsibility to self and • Training to be a peer mediator
others • Participation in a letter-writing campaign
• Opportunities to meet with local and state
• Integrity officials and legislators
• Participation in a youth advisory committee of
• Awareness of cultural differences the city, school board, training center, or other
among peers and the larger community relevant organization
• Learning activities or courses about leadership
• High expectations for self and principles and styles
community • Group activities that promote collaboration and
team work
• Sense of purpose in goals and activities • Mentoring relationships with positive role
models
• Ability to follow the lead of others • Opportunities to serve in leadership roles such
when appropriate as club officer, board member, team captain, or
coach

Youth Leadership Program specific:

• Ability to motivate others • Mediation and conflict resolution training
• Training in team dynamics
• Ability to share power and distribute • Training in project management
tasks

• Ability to work with a team

• Ability to resolve conflicts

• Ability to create and communicate a

vision

• Ability to manage change and value

continuous improvement

21
In the table above, column one outlines the five areas of development identified by Ferber,
Pittman, & Marshall (2002). Columns two and three list specific intended outcomes and
suggested program activities identified by NCWD/Youth through its extensive review of the
literature and existing practices.
 Chart B. Organizational & Program Components
Organizational Level
Components of Additional Additional Components
Youth Development Components of Youth for Disability Focus
Programs Leadership Programs
• Clear mission and goals • Youth involvement at all • Physically and • Develop and
• Staff are trained, levels including programmatically accessible inventory on your
professional, supportive, administration and the • Staff are aware, willing, organizations physical
committed, and youth- Board of Directors prepared, and supported to and programmatically
friendly make accommodations accessible
• Safe and structured •
environment
• Connections to • Knowledge of resources • Develop a database of
community and other (national and community- resources (national
youth-serving specific) for youth with and community-
organizations disabilities specific) for youth
• Partnerships and with disabilities
collaboration with other
agencies serving or assisting
youth with disabilities
Programmatic Level
Components of Additional Additional Components
Youth Development Components of Youth for Disability Focus
Programs Leadership Programs
• Focus on each young
person’s individual
needs, assets, and
interests
• Hands-on experiential • Hands-on involvement at
and varied activities all programmatic levels
• Youth involvement in such as planning,
developing and budgeting, implementing,
implementing activities and evaluating programs
• Opportunities for success • Multiple opportunities to
• Opportunities to try new develop and practice
roles leadership skills
• Youth leadership • Varied, progressive
leadership roles for youth:
small group, large group,
event, program
• Mentoring/role models • Ensure peer and adult role
models and mentors include
people with disabilities

22
 Chart B. Organizational & Program Components
• Personal responsibility • Self-advocacy skills building
• Independent living
information and assessment
(career, employment,
training, education,
transportation, recreation,
community resources, life
skills, financial, benefits
planning)
• Family involvement and
support
• Opportunities for youth • Education on community & • Disability history, law,
to develop self- program values and history culture, policies, and
awareness, identity, and practices
values

Procedure: Review the Comparison of Youth Development Models Matrix in Chart C

(next page) developed by NCWD/Youth and discuss which model most closely describes
your organization.

23
Chart C. Comparison of Youth Development Models

M Combined list of Community Youth Advancing Youth Family & Youth Youth Development S.673 Youth
O competencies from all Development Development Services Bureau Institute Development Block
D models (The numbers in Grant, 104th Congress
E parentheses after the Center for Youth US Department of Fund for the City of
L competencies in each Development & Policy Heath and Human New York Supported by the
S model correspond with Research, Academy for Services, National
the numbering in the list Educational Administration for Collaboration for
below.) Development Children and Families Youth
O 1. Safety Youth Needs: Youth Outcomes Youth Needs: Competency Areas: Competencies:
U 2. Structure
T • Originality (creative
3. Mastery • Sense of safety and Aspects of Identity: • Sense of safety (1) competency) (24) • Social competencies
C 4. Future structure (1, 2) • Safety and structure (1, • (12)
O
Structure (2) • Understanding
5. Belonging • Mastery of skills (3) 2) • Mastery of skills (3) ourselves and others • Moral competencies
M • Mastery and future (3,
6. Membership • Sense of hope and • Belonging and (personal (8, 11)
E 7. Self-Worth belief in the future 4) membership (5, 6) competency) (5, 9, ) • Emotional
S 8. Responsibility (4) • Belonging and • Sense of self-worth • Thinking and competencies (7, 9)
9. Self-Awareness • Belonging (5) membership (5, 6) predicated on reasoning (cognitive • Physical
C 10. Spirituality • Self-worth (7) • Self-worth (7) achievement and competency) (13) competencies (21)
O 11. Civic Ability • Personal • Responsibility and character (7) • Civic competency • Cognitive
M 12. Social Ability
P responsibility (8) autonomy (8, 19) • Responsibility (8) (11) competencies (13,
13. Intellectual Ability • Self-awareness (9) • Self-awareness and •
E 14. Competence
Self-awareness (9) • Our bodies (physical 24)
T • Spirituality (10) spirituality (9, 10) • Spirituality (10) health competency)
15. Meaningful Role
E • Bonding and • Support and (21)
16. Employability
N 17. Cultural Ability
connection to others Aspects of Ability: guidance from • Mental health
C (12) • Civic and social ability caring adults (22) competency (20)
18. Valued &
I Respected • Sense of competence (11, 12) • Access to learning • Employability
E (14) • Intellectual ability (13) opportunities beyond competency (16)
19. Self-efficacy
S • Meaningful role (15) • Employability (16) the classroom (23) • Social Competency
20. Mental Health
21. Physical Health • Valued and • Cultural ability (17) (12)
N 22. Caring Adults respected (18) • Mental health (20)
E 23. Learning • Self-efficacy (19) • Physical health (21)
E Opportunities
D 24. Creativity
S

24
 Lesson IV:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MODELS

In an effort to address the need for a comprehensive model to track both

short- and long-term outcomes, researchers with the 4-H Youth Development
department at Purdue University developed the Four-Fold Youth Development
Model encompassing 47 development skills that youth need to become healthy
and successful adults (Barkman & Machtmes, 2000). Based on an extensive
literature search of both theoretical and empirical research, the model was
created by combining four existing skill models: the SCANS Workforce
Preparation Model developed by the US Department of Labor, NNST Science
Process Skill Model developed by the National Network for Science and
Technology, Iowa State University’s Targeting Life Skills Model, and the Search
Institute’s Internal Assets. An accompanying website (http://www.four-
h.purdue.edu/fourfold ) was developed with resources and tools that practitioners
can use to link program design to program evaluation. Practitioners designing
programs can use the website to identify skills sets and corresponding activities
that match a particular development skill they want to target in their program.
Practitioners seeking to measure outcomes related to a targeted skill can
download an evaluation instrument from the website, enter their own data, have it
analyzed, and print a report. This resource was developed to be a cost effective,
easy-to-use, and reliable means of measuring youth outcomes.

Objective: Participants will:

1. Understand Purdue University’s Four-Fold Youth Development Model

Distinguish between Purdue University’s Four-Fold Youth Development Model
2.
and other youth development models
Understand the need for program logic models and the role it plays in program
3.
evaluation
Investigate Purdue University’s Four-Fold Youth Development Model Four-
4.
Fold Instruments and the means to utilize the online data analysis program

Procedure
Participants should visit Purdue University’s Four-Fold Youth Development
Model website available for free at:
http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/fourfold

Participants will create a program logic model for a specific youth program they
have developed to determine the outcomes and goals of the program.

Participants will utilize one (or several) pre-created Purdue University’s Four-Fold
Youth Development Model Four-Fold Instruments (alternatively, participants

25
could create their own instrument for program measurement (pre/post test),
collect data and submit to the online database.

Barkman, S. J. & Machtmes, K. L. (2000). Measuring the impact of youth

development programs: The four-fold youth development model. CYD
Journal, 1 (4), 42-45.

26
 Lesson V:
Sexual Maturation of the Female/Male Adolescent

Objective
Participants will be able to:
Discuss the sequential pattern of the female/male adolescent’s sexual maturation

Procedure
Read:

BACKGROUND ON: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

ADOLESCENT

Introduction

Adults tend to confuse the terms adolescence and puberty, and use them
synonymously. However, there is a distinct difference. Puberty refers to the
physiological changes involved in the sexual maturation of a child, as well as
other body changes that may occur during this period of time, while adolescence
refers to the stage from puberty to adulthood, and includes the psychological
experiences of the child during this period. Adolescence is usually described as
being the “teenage years” from thirteen to eighteen years of age; however,
puberty decides the onset of adolescence. Therefore, adolescence can occur in
some children as early as nine years of age. During this period of time the child
has a great deal of concern over his or her body image. Adolescents face
ongoing conflict and difficulty adapting to the sudden upsurge of sexual and
aggressive drives. Some of these changes can cause unrest and confusion in the
adolescents’ inner selves and in the way they perceive the world. Discrepancies
in the child’s eye such as obesity, early or late maturation, etc., may be
manifested through a variety of disorders.

What is Puberty?

Puberty refers to the physiological changes that the adolescent undergoes in

order to reach sexual maturity. It is best characterized as the gradual onset of
mature reproductive hormonal activity, triggered by the central nervous system,
mainly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Most people look at puberty in three
distinct stages railed the pre-pubescent, pubescent, and postpubescent. The
prepubescent stage includes the first evidence of sexual maturation—primary
sexual characteristics—and terminates at the first appearance of pubic hair.
During this stage, reproduction is virtually impossible. During the pubescent
stage the growth spurt begins to accelerate, males experience their first emission
of semen usually in the form of “wet dreams,” and menarche occurs in the
females. The postpubescent stage is characterized by the deceleration of growth
spurt, completion of both primary and sexual characteristics, and fertility is
possible.

27
The Anatomical Development of the Adolescent

Adolescent growth first centers on the extremities—the legs and arms during the
early stages of adolescence. Changes also occur in the facial configurations of
both sexes. The lower portion of the head begins to grow because the chin
lengthens and the nose grows in width and/or length. Additional changes in
proportion of the face are accredited to changes in tissue distribution. Even
though both sexes undergo this change, within females a layer of subcutaneous
fat develops which causes the rounding and softening of contours of the face and
body. Whereas, the male subcutaneous fat development is much less
pronounced, but the development of muscles and bones in the face is clearly
seen. This gives the males a leaner and more angular face than the females.

Changes also occur on the surface of the body in both sexes. The most
observable change is the growth on body hair, both pubic and axillary (armpit).
The development of pubic hair is the first sign of a child ending the prepubescent
stage and entering the pubescent stage. This process begins about the same
time as the growth spurt begins, and is in the form of slightly coarse, straight
hairs that grow at the base of the penis and an the labia majora. The growth of
pubic hair continues throughout adolescence, it spreads horizontally and then
vertically until it surrounds the genital areas. Characteristically, pubic hair
becomes longer, thicker, darker and kinkier as it spreads over the genital areas.
In males, the growth of facial and chest hair may be pronounced, and tends to
represent virility in the eyes of the adolescent. Noticeable chest hair, with a
thickness in texture does not usually appear until the postpubescent stage and
continues to grow during manhood. Facial hair usually appears in the form of a
dark shadow above the lip. Then it appears on the chin, along the jaw line, and
then develops along the neck. Females may also find small amounts of facial and
chest hair.

Both male and female skin undergoes other changes, such as becoming coarser
with the sebaceous glands becoming more active, producing oily secretions
which usually help cause acne or blackheads. Sweat usually causes an odor in
adolescents because the chemistry and composition of sweat is altered by the
oils that the sebaceous glands emit. Adolescents also show an increase in their
blood pressure, and a decrease in both basal metabolic rate—the rate at which
the body in a resting state (basal) consumes oxygen—and in pulse rate.

The Onset of Puberty in Adolescents

Amazing as it may seem, sexual maturation is programmable for the primary

sexual characteristics to begin their development, the pituitary gland must first
release stimulating agents called gonadotropins into the bloodstream. Once they
reach the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female, a number of changes
will occur.

28
There are two gonadotropins: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH). these gonadotropins are present in the adolescent during
childhood, but at levels too low for sexual maturation to begin. At the beginning of
puberty, the pituitary releases increased amounts of gonadotropins while the
child is asleep and stops immediately after the child awakens. However, once the
child enters the postpubescent stage, gonadotropins are released both during
sleep and during the day. In the ovaries, follicle stimulating hormone is
responsible for the development of the follicle which contains a developing ovum
(egg). Follicle stimulating hormone also helps produce the female hormone
estrogen within the follicle when it is stimulated by luteinizing hormone. In males,
FSH incites the growth of seminiferous tubules, which produce sperm in the
testes. Luteinizing hormone is responsible for producing androgen male hormone
in the Leydig cells. The androgen that the Leydig cells produce, aids in the
growth on the seminiferous tubules. As the adolescent grows older, the pituitary
releases increased amounts of gonadotropins, ovaries and the testes grow more
rapidly, and produce larger amounts of estrogen and/or androgen.

Sexual Maturation In the Male Adolescent

Even though the male adolescent’s growth rate varies from child to child, a
sequential pattern has been identified. The typical sequence of events occurs as
follows:

1. The testes and scrotum begin to increase in size.

2. Pubic hair begins to appear.
3. The penis begins to enlarge, and the adolescent growth spurt begins.
4. The larynx starts to grow and the voice deepens.
5. Hair growth begins on the upper lip.
Nocturnal emissions (ejaculation of semen during sleep) may occur as sperm
6.
production increases.
7. Pubic hair becomes pigmented, and growth spurt reaches its peak.
8. The prostrate gland enlarges.
9. Hair growth begins in the axillas (armpits).
Sperm production becomes sufficient for fertility, and the growth rate
10.
decreases.
11. Physical strength is at its peak.

Sexual Maturation of the Female Adolescent

Even though the female adolescent’s growth rate varies from child to child, a
sequential pattern has been identified. The typical sequence of events occur as
follows:

1. The adolescent growth spurt begins.

29
2. Non-pigmented pubic hair (downy) appears.
The budding stage of development (breast elevation) and the rounding of the
3.
hip begins, accompanied by the beginning of downy axillary hair.
4. The uterus, vagina, labia and clitoris increase in size.
5. Pubic hair growth becomes rapid and is slightly pigmented.
Breast development advances, nipple pigmentation begins, and the areola
6.
increases in size. Axillary hair becomes slightly pigmented.
7. Growth spurt reaches its peak, and then declines.
8. Menarche occurs.
Pubic hair development is completed, followed by mature breast development
9.
and completion of axillary hair development.
10. “Adolescent sterility” ends, and the girl becomes capable of conception.

Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is controlled by the hypothalamus, which acts as a

menstrual clock. The clock operates through the pituitary gland located at the
base of the brain. The pituitary gland cyclically secretes two hormones which
directly stimulate the ovary these hormones are follicle stimulating and luteinizing
hormones.

As follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones act on the follicle, its cells multiply
causing a large fluid—filled cavity to form. The growth and activity of the follicular
cells result in the secretion of estrogen by the cells, and this hormone is found in
the fluid of the follicle.

Luteinizing hormones cause the cells of the follicle to rupture and expel the
ovum. Then the fluids and cells form a new structure called the corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum is stimulated by the gonadotropins and initiate the production
of the hormone, progesterone. Progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to
change, thus getting it ready for the reception, embedding, and gestation of a
fertilized ovum. The coordinated action of progesterone and estrogen makes the
lining of the uterus an environment where an embryo can survive during
pregnancy.

Menstruation occurs approximately every three to four weeks. If the ovum is not
fertilized, most of the lining of the uterus mixed with blood is expelled through the
cervix into the vagina. This bloody discharge is referred to as menstruation
(menses) or a menstrual period. The entire cycle repeats itself with regularity
throughout the reproductive life of the female. However, at its onset after puberty,
menstruation may be irregular for up to a year or two.

Procedure

30
Using the information presented, participants will discuss (oral or written) the
steps involved in the female/male adolescent’s sexual maturation sequentially

SEXUAL MATURATION OF THE MALE ADOLESCENT

Place the steps in the correct sequential order

_____ A. The penis begins to enlarge, and the adolescent growth spurt begins

_____ B. Pubic hair begins to appear

_____ C. The larynx starts to grow and the voice deepens

_____ D. The prostrate gland enlarges

_____ E. Hair growth begins on the upper lip

_____ F. The testes and scrotum begin to increase in size

_____ G. Physical strength is at its peak.

_____ H. Nocturnal emissions (ejaculation of semen during sleep) may occur as

sperm production increases

_____ I. Sperm production becomes sufficient for fertility, and the growth rate
decreases.

_____ J. Pubic hair becomes pigmented, and growth spurt reaches its peak

_____ K Hair growth begins in the axillas (armpits)

31
 SEXUAL MATURATION OF THE FEMALE ADOLESCENT:
Place the steps in the correct sequential order

_____ A. Pubic hair growth becomes rapid and is slightly pigmented

_____ B. Menarche occurs

_____ C.The budding stage of development (breast elevation) and the rounding
of the hip begins

_____ D. The adolescent growth spurt begins

_____ E.Breast development advances, nipple pigmentation begins, and the

areola increases in size. Axillary hair becomes slightly pigmented

_____F. Pubic hair development is completed, followed by mature breast

development and completion of axillary hair development accompanied by the
beginning of downy axillary hair

_____ G. “Adolescent sterility” ends, and the girl becomes capable of conception

32
_____ H. Non-pigmented pubic hair (downy) appears

_____ I. The uterus, vagina, labia and clitoris increase in size

_____ J. Growth spurt reaches its peak, and then declines

33
SEXUAL MATURATION OF THE FEMALE/MALE ADOLESCENT
EVALUATION KEY

Placing the steps in the correct sequential order

34
 Male

3 A. The penis begins to enlarge, and the adolescent growth spurt begins

2 B. Pubic hair begins to appear

4 C. The larynx starts to grow and the voice deepens

8 D. The prostrate gland enlarges

5 E. Hair growth begins on the upper lip

1 F. The testes and scrotum begin to increase in size

11 G. Physical strength is at its peak.

6 H. Nocturnal emissions (ejaculation of semen during sleep) may occur as

sperm production increases

10 I. Sperm production becomes sufficient for fertility, and the growth rate
decreases.

7 J. Pubic hair becomes pigmented, and growth spurt reaches its peak

9 K Hair growth begins in the axillas (armpits)

35
 Female

5 A. Pubic hair growth becomes rapid and is slightly pigmented

8 B. Menarche occurs

3 C.The budding stage of development (breast elevation) and the rounding of

the hip begins

1 D. The adolescent growth spurt begins

6 E.Breast development advances, nipple pigmentation begins, and the areola

increases in size. Axillary hair becomes slightly pigmented

9 F. Pubic hair development is completed, followed by mature breast

development and completion of axillary hair development accompanied by the
beginning of downy axillary hair

10 G. “Adolescent sterility” ends, and the girl becomes capable of conception

2 H Non-pigmented pubic hair (downy)

4 I. The uterus, vagina, labia, and clitoris increase in size

7. J. Growth spurt reaches its peak and then decline

36