Acquisition of values and identity by teenagers: an experience

Abstract

We report the work developed in two public schools of Assis involving, on the one hand, students from the fifth to the twelfth grade and, on the other hand, work developed by 3rd year Psychology students during a teacher training practice held under the supervision of a professor of Psychology. At college level, the content was developed by means of reflexive action linked to educational practices which foster changes, acquisition of values and attitudes by elementary and high school students. The syllabus for that course was worked up taking into consideration the needs felt by those students in broach topics such as respect, justice, violence, solidarity, family friendship, adolescency, sexuality, dating, pregnancy, abortion, drugs, and STDs. Thematic Workshops were used as one of the strategies to develop the syllabus content and the courses at issue were taught by two college training students in each class, during a one-hour class a week. At the end of the course, the college students have managed to master the issues listed above, showing more confidence and propriety.