Course Plan: Personal Identity and Teens
Course Introduction
This course, designed for Year 9 students, focuses on personal identity and the critical factors that shape our identities as teenagers. Over the course of 10 lessons, students will explore various aspects of personal identity, including self-concept, cultural influences, peer pressure, and emotional well-being. Through interactive discussions, group activities, and personal reflections, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This course not only aims to educate but also to foster empathy, self-esteem, and healthy relationships amongst peers.
Course Goals and Aims
Goals:
- To help students develop a clear understanding of their personal identity.
- To encourage critical thinking about the factors that influence self-identity.
- To provide strategies for enhancing self-esteem and resilience as teens navigate challenges.
Aims:
- To explore the concept of personal identity and its components.
- To analyse the impact of culture, family, and peers on personal identity formation.
- To support students in setting personal goals that align with their identity.
- To promote open discussions about acceptance, diversity, and individuality.
Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding Personal Identity
Lesson 1: What is Personal Identity?
- Definition of personal identity
- Discussion: Who am I?
- Worksheets: "My Identity Map"
Lesson 2: Components of Personal Identity
- Exploring elements: culture, values, personality traits
- Group activity: Identity collage using magazine cutouts
- Homework: Reflective journal entry on personal values
Module 2: Sources Influencing Identity
Lesson 3: Family Influence
- Role of family in shaping identity
- Discussion: Family traditions and values
- Worksheets: "Family Tree of Influence"
Lesson 4: Peer Pressure and Social Media
- Understanding peer influence on identity
- Critical evaluation of social media’s impact
- Group discussion: Our online personas vs. real selves
Module 3: The Role of Culture in Identity
Lesson 5: Cultural Influences on Identity
- Defining culture and its importance
- Research project: Presenting cultural heritage
- Worksheets: "Cultural Mosaic Activity"
Lesson 6: Diversity and Acceptance
- Discussing diversity in our community
- Activity: "What Makes Us Unique?" poster creation
- Homework: Interview a peer about their identity
Module 4: Developing Self-Esteem and Resilience
Lesson 7: Self-Esteem: Building Blocks
- Understanding self-esteem
- Group activity: Sharing strengths and achievements
- Worksheets: "Self-Esteem Builder"
Lesson 8: Coping with Challenges
- Identifying personal challenges related to identity
- Strategies for resilience and empowerment
- Role-playing scenarios to practice coping skills
Module 5: Personal Growth and Reflection
Lesson 9: Setting Personal Goals
- Goal-setting as a part of identity
- Workshop: Creating SMART goals
- Worksheets: "My Personal Goals"
Lesson 10: Reflection and Moving Forward
- Reflecting on the learning journey
- Sharing experiences and lessons learned
- Final project: “My Identity Presentation”
References
- Schaffer, H. (2018). The Development of Identity in Adolescence. Australian Health Review.
- Erikson, E. H. (1994). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- Crotty, M. (2017). The Foundation of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. Allen & Unwin.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Adolescents and Mental Health.
- Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R. P., & Carr, D. (2017). Introduction to Sociology. 10th ed. W.W. Norton & Company.
Worksheets Overview
- My Identity Map: A visual representation of personal aspects contributing to identity.
- Family Tree of Influence: A diagram showcasing family influences on values and identity.
- Cultural Mosaic Activity: An art activity focused on cultural identity.
- Self-Esteem Builder: Exercises aimed at enhancing self-evaluation and self-worth.
- My Personal Goals: A worksheet to help articulate and outline personal aspirations.
This course plan is designed to be flexible and responsive, encouraging student participation and engagement while adhering to the Australian educational standards.