Educational Reform in Middle Years Schooling: An Analysis

This essay, prepared by Vy Hoang for EDUC 5269, explores the critical need for educational reforms in middle years schooling. The introduction emphasizes the importance of this phase for academic advancement and the need to address student alienation and disengagement through curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reforms. The analysis delves into the emotional and behavioral challenges faced by adolescents, including the 'boring syndrome,' and examines the impact of school environment, curriculum pressures, and teacher methodologies on student engagement. The essay highlights the importance of proactive reforms, including curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and assessment strategies. It discusses the role of teachers in fostering a conducive learning environment, developing students' growth mindsets, and addressing their well-being. The essay concludes by emphasizing the need for reforms to increase intrinsic motivation, develop new skills, and establish a positive social identity for students, considering the influence of family, peer groups, and cultural factors on learning.