ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION

Book excerpt: The young and adolescents are an epitome of change, hope and progress. The lives of adolescents are subject to global challenges faced by information and technological revolution, changing markets and globalization, and specific changes taking place in family dynamics, cultural traditions, religious beliefs and other socialization practices. This book on Adolescence Education assumes importance in view of the likely impact of acquired skills and behaviours during this period on an individual’s prospects in adulthood. This book is an attempt to understand the broader context in which adolescent lives are embedded. The theoretical perspective presents a multi-disciplinary view of adolescence that helps to understand the evolution of the concept of adolescence. Presenting an elaborate account of adolescence as experienced by young in India and highlighting the challenges that emerge as a result of dynamic changes in society, the attempt is made to identify the emerging issues and concerns that impact the lives of adolescents and provide a perspective to adolescence education. The historical account presented helps to build an understanding of the various socio-cultural forces that led to the emergence of the existing Adolescence Education Programme (AEP). The text presents the key features of the present AEP that are imperative for its successful implementation. The UN and civil society initiatives are mapped with a view to locate the characteristic features and thrust of various interventions. The text gives some gleaning insights from available evidences regarding execution of various existing adolescent programmes, and existential realities of adolescents’ lives. The book is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Education, Psychology and Sociology. Besides, the book is equally beneficial for the students opting for Psychology at their +2 level.