Why Is Middle School So Hard; What Are Some Problems Students Face?
What is it about middle school that transforms some students overnight? Is it the pressure of growing up, hormonal changes, wanting to fit in with the right group, a statement of independence, or just a major transition in school spaces? The answer to this question is not a simple ‘yes’ as each child is different; so what is the reason for this change in behavior?
Do You Remember Elementary School?
Elementary schools in the US are often kindergarten through fifth grade. Although some schools include 6th grade; it's not typical. Usually, elementary students typically have one teacher for the entire year who teaches every subject. Students have the same classroom and the same teacher for the entire year. Innovation has happened in some areas but true change calls for extreme measures. Here is an elementary school that really pushes the boundaries for education. The AltSchool supports Kindergarten through eights grade students with about a 1:10 teacher-student ratio. The curriculum focuses on students being caring and students developing empathy. Teachers make most of the decisions while students are on a personalized learning track to expedite growth.
Then, There is Middle School
The middle school experience is about three years, 6th through 8th grade. Students get a small taste of transitioning to different classes right before high school. After homeroom, the bell rings, and students are off to their first class. Students switch classrooms which are fun opportunities but face many struggles during these times. Below are the top four things students struggle with while in middle school.
Family and Staff Pressure- Families push their students about college and the school staff pushes their students to be successful.
Self- Confidence- Students are always comparing themselves to their peers. This is also when popularity becomes a struggle.
He Says/She Say- Students are starting to form groups with antisocial behavior. Bullying and drama are increasingly heightened
Pressure in life- Student are experimenting with uncommon behaviors such as drinking, smoking, etc.
Is It Middle School Or Something Else?
There is a shift in middle school life as well. Teachers hold students accountable for homework assignments and getting classwork in on time has become the responsibility of the individual. Puberty is taking place and their bodies are changing. This is a major time when peer pressure comes into play while students want to fit in and be like the others in their peer group. The social life of a middle school student becomes more important than what they are learning in the classroom. The way teachers handle these problems will most likely influence the year's progress.
What Can Teachers Do to Help Their Students
According to ThoughtCo, Here are 8 Things Teachers can do to help their students succeed:
Set High Expectations- Cultivate an academic environment in your classroom by setting high, but not impossible, expectations for your students.
Establish a Classroom Routine - While classroom procedures often take a bit of time and effort to implement at the beginning of the school year, once established, they create a structure that will allow you to focus on teaching rather than handling disruptive issues.
Practice the 'Daily Fives' - Keeping up with the latest information through online forums, workshops and professional journals can make you a better teacher.
Help Students Climb Bloom's Taxonomy Pyramid - Bloom's taxonomy provides teachers with a great tool that they can use to measure the complexity of homework assignments and exams.
Vary Your Instruction- Instead of just focusing on one method that only appeals to a single learning style, varying your teaching techniques allow you to cater your lessons to different learning styles.
Show That You Care About Every Student - Regardless of your personal feelings, it is important that you work with each of your students to ensure their success. Be excited about them.
Be Transparent and Ready to Help-Make students check their grades frequently, or provide them with printouts so they're constantly aware of where they stand in your class. If they've fallen behind, meet with them and create a plan to usher them toward success.
A Final Thought
It is essential to structure a climate for middle school students to guide them through tough times. The goal is to be consistent as parents, supportive as staff, and role-play to share how to handle peer pressure. Hopefully, motivate the middle school student to conform willingly to become a better student and citizen.
Sources:
Carl E. Pickhardt Ph.D., 2011, Adolescence and the Transition to Middle School, Psychology Today
Kathryn Hoffses, 2018, Ph.D., Moving To Middle School, Kids Health
Melissa Kelly, 2019, Appropriate Consequences For Student Misbehavior.
ThoughtCo.- https://www.thoughtco.com/ways-teachers-can-help-students-succeed-8082
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anxiety
http://www.teach-nology.com/prodevelopment/middle_level/
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-nontraditional-schools-challenging-educational-norms