Sylwanowicz 1!

Molly Sylwanowicz
EDP 302
April 27, 2015

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There are many developmental markers that can be observed in an adolescent as they are
maturing. These markers can be observed in the biology, cognition, culture, gender and self.
The adolescent observed was a 17 year old male who demonstrated many of the characteristics
found in his age group. Many of the observations conclude that the male is in the same maturing
stages as other adolescents in the similar age group.
The developmental markers of biology were evident during the observational hours. One
aspect of biology in particular, the physical growth during puberty was evident. According to
Arnett (2007), The typical rate of growth in height is from birth through age 19 (p. 36).
This topic, of the biology portion of the developmental markers, was apparent with continued
growth. As a basketball player he was also very aware of the growth spurt lasting to 19.
Another observational biology marker that is related to bodily changes, is the increase in muscle
in the adolescent. Both of these aspects are superficial qualities that most maturing adolescents
work or hope to achieve and pride themselves in.
According to Piaget, the driving force behind development from one stage to the next is
maturation (Inhelder & Piaget, 1958). In observing the adolescent it was evident that he was
extremely mature for his age. In observing the adolescent, there was respect that he showed for
coaches and other people that communicated with him that most individuals his age would have

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been disrespectful or not as engaged. The marker of culture is most evident in his religious
beliefs. The adolescent is a junior in high school and is still actively part of the church
community. Church is important to him and he attends it every weekend. Arnett (2007) states,
Religious belief systems also typically contain prescriptions for socialization related to the three
main outcomes: self-regulation, role preparation and sources of meaning (p. 108). The
importance on church can explain the positive, respectful attitude that he constantly displays.
Another aspect of the developmental markers is gender. There are many different ways
that individuals classify as a way to show a boy becoming a man. Unlike women, a man status
is earned. This can be seen through the ability by physical strength or the ability to procreate or
take care of the family. The observations that best showcases gender is the ability to provide and
protect. This adolescents behaviors that emphasize these points are observed through his job and
the work that he contributes to around the house. For example, jobs around the house include
the manly jobs like washing the cars, mowing the yards or any of the heavy lifting needed to
be done.
The self is a very important quality to have as a growing adolescent. A common trend in
adolescents is the different selfs that they present to the different groups they associate with. The
adolescent that I observed was cry real. He was able to distinguish himself by understanding
that the best way through life is to be yourself. For example, he is an extremely hard worker that
is diligent in school work and his dedication to basketball; many teens his age are drawn to the
idea of partying and alcohol but he has no need to partake in those activities. He knows that his

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parents would not approve of him drinking and respects them and himself by avoiding those
situations.
Most adolescents have a strained relationship with parents. Arentt (2007) states, For
young people and their parents, frequent adjustments are required in their relationships as
adolescents and emerging adults gain more autonomy, inexorably moving away from they
families toward the larger world and new attachments outside the family (p. 175). These
adjustments are not always smooth transitioning. For the adolescent observed, the close
relationships with both his parents and his siblings was evident. For example, he feels strongly
that family is what makes you who you are. Unlike some teens in his age group he is just as
happy to spend a night playing games with family as he is hanging out with friends.
Although he is close with his family he also has a group of friends. Many of the
individuals that are part of his peer group are from the athletics he participates in. That common
bond shows the drive that they have in common to be dedicated to the sport they love. He has
many fiends but has a more intricate relationship with a few. According to Arnett (2007),
Friends are people with whom you develop a valued, mutual relationship (p. 211). The value
of friendship can be observed in the close relationships that he continues to have with friends
that he went to grade school with and have gone on to different high schools and still value the
friendship by staying in contact.
The school community is very important to the teenager observed. He has a sense of
pride and devotion to his school. For example, as a varsity basketball player, he devotes himself
to the team with his time and effort during basketball season. The dedication does not stop on

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the basketball court. Where some individuals feel satisfied with being a star athlete, he also puts
the dedication into his school work. This shows in his 4.0 GPA. These work habits are a
testament to the parenting he received while aging. For some individuals these tasks come
naturally and are effortless, but for this student the determination and drive push him to do the
best that he can possibly do.
Although, this adolescent has many obligations, such as, school, sports and church
involvement, he also maintains a job. The stages proposed by Donald Super, are accurate with
the adolescent observed in the Crystallization stage. As Arnett (2007) states, Adolescents begin
to move beyond fantasizing and start to consider how their talents and interests match up with
the occupational possibilities available to them (p. 325). This is accurate for this teen. The
love for basketball that obvious when observing him, drew him to find a job where he is able to
referee on the weekends for younger children playing basketball.
Similar to other aspects that seem to be an influential aspect of adolescents, media does
not have a huge aspect on this teen. He has rooted morals and does not sway from them by
communities obsession with celebrities. For example, with all his prior commitments, he does
not watch a lot of television. Although, he does watch sports, primarily basketball. According to
Arnett (2007), A great deal of research attention has focused on the extent to which media
promote and provoke violence in young people (p. 346). Similar to this finding, the teen
acknowledged the effect that watching certain television shows impact his mood. Another
example of his maturity, the individual chose to stop watching these shows because they left him
in a grumpy mood after watching them.

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The adolescent that was observed, as previously stated, shows considerable

maturity for his age. The best way to implement Developmentally Appropriate Practice, would
coincide with everyone his age. The practices, have the potential to make more sense to this
individual and be able to have a big impact on his way of thinking. The individual will grasp the
concepts better and understand their influences in life skills.
The first developmentally appropriate marker is academic expectations. The key is to
make them challenging for the individual to better develop thinking and problem-solving skills.
This individual, has the potential to thrive with this practice. The determination and dedication
he often displays in his personality will allow him to take on tasks that others mat shy away
from. His GPA, shows that he values school and the work that is associated with it.
The next practice is to show is the goals, requirements and grading criteria.
Once again this aspect will allow the student observed to thrive. He does well with structure. To
allow him to see the objectives and requirements, will help propel him to understand what it will
take to ensure that he is successful. Sharing these objectives with both him and his family will
help him even more. The family supports one another very well and the encouragement he will
receive to be successful, will help his determination and drive to stay. Next, is the concoction
between school and the connection beyond high school. The curriculum taught in high schools
have important roles in life. There are many different aspects that influence the importance of
the curriculum taught. For example, the knowledge taught can potentially be part of the
information that will be needed in career paths that the individual wishes to pursue. Also, classes

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such as health and physical education are important for every individual to understand before
graduating high school to endure they are protected and learn the importance of an active
lifestyle and healthy eating.
Today, academics is increasingly more and more competitive. The developmental
appropriate practice of understanding academic choices is very important. Choosing classes, that
will impact your future are even more important. The student observed is not at a risk for this
practice. He already displays a drive and a dedication to academic excellence. An important
aspect to be clear to state, is that other parts of academics, such as academic dishonesty, is
serious and consequences can effect no only the schools that will accept them but also can
potentially limit the career possibilities the individual wishes to pursue.
Another developmentally appropriate practice for a student int grades 9-12, is to help
them realize more responsibility or good working habits are important skills to develop.
Increasing responsibility is important because it showcases that as you enter emerging adulthood
and become and adult everyone has more responsibility. Acknowledging this early, will help the
individual manage stress and learn to task management skills. These qualities, also, will be
important in professional settings. As stated previously, the observed adolescent is able to see
the responsibilities already in different parts of his life including: school, sports, church and
work.
The last practice of conforming is a nonissue for the observed adolescent. He states that
he understands he has no inclination to partake in behaviors because they are observed as cool.
Although, he feels confident in his abilities to be his own person, it is still important to reinforce

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these ideas. To help the individual maintain his individuality, it is best to acknowledge that he is
mature and that it is not only acceptable to be self confident but it is something to have pride in.
The individuals maturity is above his peer age group and shows in his level of self awareness and
confidence.

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Arnett, J. (2007). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: A cultural approach (3rd ed.). Upper
Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.