Unique Characteristics of the Middle-Grade Student

What are some unique characteristics of the middle-grade student? How should homework be designed based on the needs of an adolescent?

What are some of the new challenges that middle school students face? How is “getting along” one of the most important skills to learn in middle school? Based on what you have read, write how a middle school should be uniquely different from an elementary or high school. Why is communication so important in middle school? Why should competition be kept at a minimum in middle school? Name some ways you see this environment displayed in your cooperating school. What drives the design of the school curriculum? What is the difference between subject-centered types of approaches to the curriculum?