Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence Flashcards
(61 cards)
What are the gender differences in academic achievement?
Girls perform better in reading skills; boys outperform in math skills; no differences in science scores.
These differences highlight the varying strengths in academic performance across genders.
What outcomes are associated with higher academic achievement?
Higher satisfaction with school and better relationships with schoolmates and parents.
These outcomes emphasize the importance of academic success on social and emotional well-being.
What is associated with skipping classes?
Involvement in high-risk behaviours, lower academic achievement, strained relationships with parents.
Skipping classes can indicate deeper issues in a student’s life that affect their education.
What factors are associated with early school leavers?
- Low SES families
- Lack of psychological support
- Peer influence
- Less involvement in clubs or sports
These factors illustrate the multifaceted nature of educational attainment.
What can improve motivation and academic outcomes for Indigenous students?
Integrating Indigenous cultural knowledge and perspectives into education.
This approach fosters a more inclusive and relevant learning environment for Indigenous students.
What is the impact of working more than 15-20 hours per week on high school students?
Detrimental to grades and increases personal stress.
Balancing work and school is crucial for maintaining academic performance.
What are the benefits of positive work experiences for students?
Increased feelings of competence and efficacy.
Positive work experiences can foster personal development and confidence.
What shifts occur in students’ goals from 5th to 6th grade?
Shift from task goals to ability goals.
This shift can affect students’ motivation and perception of success.
What is the significance of secondary school in a teenager’s life?
Sets a general pattern of success or failure that continues into adulthood.
The experiences in secondary school can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s trajectory.
What types of classes are associated with high levels of intrinsic motivation?
Elective classes and extracurricular activities.
Engagement in these activities can enhance a student’s enjoyment and investment in learning.
What is menarche?
The beginning of menstrual cycles in girls.
Menarche marks an important milestone in female puberty.
What are the average ages for menarche in Canadian girls?
Approximately 12.7 years old.
This age can vary based on health and nutritional factors.
What hormonal changes trigger body changes during puberty?
Changes in sex organs and broader changes in the brain, bones, muscles, and other organs.
These hormonal influences are crucial for reproductive maturity and overall development.
What is a secular trend in the context of puberty?
The decline in the average age of menarche and increases in average height due to improved nutrition and health.
This trend reflects broader societal health improvements over time.
What are primary sex characteristics in males and females?
- Males: growth of testes and penis
- Females: growth of ovaries, uterus, and vagina
Primary sex characteristics are directly related to reproduction.
What is the role of the pituitary gland during puberty?
Triggers other glands to release hormones, often referred to as the master gland.
The pituitary gland plays a critical role in regulating growth and development.
What are the characteristics of adolescent egocentrism?
- Belief that one’s thoughts are unique
- Personal fable: life events controlled by a constructed autobiography
- Imaginary audience: internalized behavioral standards from peers
These characteristics can influence adolescents’ self-perception and social interactions.
What are metamemory skills, and how do they change during adolescence?
Adolescents’ metamemory skills far exceed those of younger children by age 14 or 15.
Improved metamemory skills enhance learning and retention capabilities.
What are some physical changes that occur during adolescence?
- Growth of the heart and lungs
- Muscle fibers become thicker
- Increased strength in boys
- Changes in body fat distribution
These changes are crucial for overall physical development and health.
How does the brain develop during adolescence?
Volume of grey matter follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory; white matter increases steadily.
Different brain regions mature at different rates, impacting cognitive functions.
What is the typical sequence of pubertal development for boys and girls?
- Stage 1: No change
- Stage 2: Initial development
- Stage 3: Further enlargement
- Stage 4: Secondary mound formation
- Stage 5: Mature stage
Tanner’s stages provide a framework for understanding physical development during puberty.
What is adolescent egocentrism?
The belief that one’s thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are unique
Define personal fable.
The belief that the events of one’s life are controlled by a mentally constructed autobiography
