Physical

Development of High
School Learners
MODULE 24
The period of adolescence begins with biological changes of
puberty and ends with the role and work of adult life.
 Adolescence is a period of transition
in terms of physical, cognitive and socio-
emotion changes, physical transition
being particularly coupled with sexual
transformation
• Early adolescence

• Middle adolescence

• Late adolescence
 In all cultures, biological changes comprises the
major transition from childhood to early adolescence.
This is manifested by a change in physical appearance, a
more rapid rate of development(next to the speed of
growth of the fetus in the uterus) known as growth spurt.
The phenomenon commonly result in the feeling of
awkwardness and unfamiliarity with bodily changes.
 The growth hormone conditions gradual increases in
body size, and weight, but hormones flooding occurs
during adolescence causing an acceleration known as the
growth spurt.
Body changes include change in body dimensions(leg
length, shoulder width, trunk growth rather than leg
growth.
An adolescent may grow several inches in several months
followed by a period of very slow growth, then have
another growth spurt. Changes with puberty (sexual
maturation) may happen gradually or several signs may
become visible at the same time.
There is a great amount of variation in the rate of changes
that may happen. Some teenagers may experience these
signs of maturity sooner or later than others.
What changes will happen during puberty?

Sexual and other physical maturation that

happens during puberty is a result of hormonal
changes. In boys, it is difficult to know exactly
when puberty is coming. There are changes
that happen, but they happen gradually and
over a period of time, rather than as a single
event.
Sexual and other physical maturation that happens
during puberty is a result of hormonal changes. In
boys, it is difficult to know exactly when puberty is
coming. There are changes that happen, but they
happen gradually and over a period of time, rather
than as a single event.
FACTORS AFFECTING
DEVELOPMENT
 Hormones belong to the endocrine system and
influence the various functions of our bodies. They are
produced by different glands that are situated in
specific parts of the body to secrete hormones that
control body functions. Their timely functioning is
critical for normal physical growth and development in
children. Imbalances in the functioning of hormone-
secreting glands can result in growth defects, obesity,
behavioural problems and other diseases. During
puberty, the gonads produce sex hormones which
control the development of the sex organs and the
appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in
boys and girls
Gonads are the male and female primary reproductive
organs. The male gonads are the testes and the female
gonads are the ovaries. These reproductive
system organs are necessary for sexual reproduction as
they are responsible for the production of male and
female gametes.
Gonads also produce sex hormones needed for the
growth and development of primary and secondary
reproductive organs and structures.
In girls, estrogen secretion triggers
the beginning of the breast
enlargement, appearance of
pubic hair, widening of the hips
and menarche or first menstruation.
In contrast with menarche, sperm ache signals the first sign of
puberty and sexual maturity in boys. At about age 12 or 13, boys
experience the enlargement of the testis and the manufacture of
sperm in the scrotum, most likely experiencing the first ejaculation
of semen- a sticky fluid produced by the prostate gland. The need
to discharge semen occurs more or less periodically following
pressure caused by the production of seminal fluid by the prostate
gland. Nocturnal emissions or “wet dream” occur during sleep
often caused by sexual dreams.
 Secondary male sex characteristics are stimulated by
testosterone, comprised by the growth of the testis and
scrotum ( recognized to be the first sign of puberty), penis
and first pubic hair ; the capacity for ejaculation, the growth
spurt, voice change, facial hair development/ beard growth,
and continuing growth of pubic hair. The acceleration of the
growth precedes the first the first appearance of facial hair
growth. Occurring late in puberty, the lowering of the voice,
cause by the enlargement of the larynx and double
lengthening of the vocal cords, is viewed to be the most
obvious aspect of adolescent development.
 The striking tendency for children to become larger at all
ages has been perceived during the past 100 years. Known
as the SECULAR TREND, the phenomenon reflects a more
rapid maturation compared with that occurring in previous
millennia. In 1880, for ex. The average age at which girls and
their first menstrual period in well nourished industrial
societies was 15 and 17 years. This is not true, however, in
depressed societies wherein this period is a bit later at about
15.5.
 One hundred years ago, boys reached
their adult height at ages 23 and 25 and girls
at ages 19 and 20. today, maximum height is
reached between 18 and 20 years for boys
and 13 and 14 for girls.
The secular trend has important biological and psychological
consequences that parents should know about. Early onset
of puberty has been linked to cancer and other diseases.
Children who experience puberty at early ages may be more
likely to be depressed because they may physically show
signs of maturity while not yet being emotionally mature.
Adults and peers, however, may treat them as if they are
older than they actually are. Moreover, children who
experience puberty at an early age may be more likely
to abuse drugs and alcohol or have sex at young ages.
 SEXUAL IDENTITY
 Sexual identity, which encompasses sexual
orientation, gender identity, and gender roles,
influences sexual behaviour and is shaped by a
variety of social and cultural factors. Sexual identity
can be represented as a continuum and may vary
over time and with changing circumstances. Many
teens engage in sexual exploration with same-sex
friends. Sexual behaviour, especially during early or
middle adolescence, does not necessarily reflect
present or future sexual identity.
 Self-esteem
Self-esteem refers to how much a person likes (esteems)
herself or himself. Some behaviors strongly suggest high or
low self-esteem; for example, a person with high self-esteem
is unlikely to attempt suicide. However, some people whose
talents and achievements appear to give them every reason
to like themselves do not.
Satisfaction with physical appearance is a large
component of self-esteem, and adolescent girls
have greater dissatisfaction with physical
appearance than do boys (Harter, 1990, 1999).
 Implication for child care, education and parenting

To meet the physical development of adolescent

children, parents need to be aware of the
manifestation of the behavioural patterns that require
communications, guidance and support. The
teacher’s support is crucial to protect adolescent
learners against severe distress and anxiety over
their schoolwork and social relationships.
Media and digital devices are an integral part of our world
today. The benefits of these devices, if used moderately
and appropriately, can be great. But, research has shown
that face-to-face time with family, friends, and teachers
plays a pivotal and even more important role in promoting
children's learning and healthy development. Keep the
face-to-face up front, and don't let it get lost behind a
stream of media and technology.
 ADOLESCENTS AND NUTRITION

Necessary for adolescent years are sufficient amounts of vitamin B12

(found in animal proteins), calcium, zinc, iron, riboflavin and vitamin
D. Magic diet schemes suggested by advertising and magazines to
lose weight, give a radiant hair, whiten the skin, etc. should be met
with caution.
The vegetarian fad can also be disastrous especially to adolescents
who need vitamin, minerals and protein which vegetable diets
cannot provide. Vegetable intake is good, but this should be
balanced with food intake to form high quality nutrition including
eating protein source such as milk, dairy products and eggs.
It is a recognized fact that teens are the poorest
eaters among age group, as they often skip
meals, frequently take snack foods (hamburger,
fries, pizza ,soft drinks, etc.) at fastfood
eateries.
 THE IDEAL BODY

It’s important that adolescent feel confident about their body image. The
physical features of the human body (facial looks, body size, color of
skin, etc.) depend on genetic heritage witch must generally be
respected. However with advancement in hair and skin technology,
change in hair color and skin are no longer impossible.

Most adolescence desire an “ideal body”, which is the same as being

attractive or handsome in face (features of the eyes, nose, lips, hair, etc.)
and in body (tall and muscular for boys and tall
and slender for girls).
References:

Harter, S. (1999). The construction of the self. New York: Guilford.

Harter, S. (1990). Identity and self development. In S. Feldman and G.
Elliott (Eds.), At the threshold: The developing adolescent (pp. 352-
387). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.