Postformal Thought

Post formal thought is defined as an adult stage of cognitive development, following Piaget’s four stages that go beyond adolescent thinking. Coming to college, one of my professors told us we need to get out of our “high school” mentality and into our adult mentality. Thinking back to freshman year, I was so irritated with him yelling at us saying we could not handle all we were given and we were immature. Now that I see the current freshman, I see what he was saying unfortunately. I’ve grown since then, and I know how to handle myself and my class load much more efficiently. When I was reading about the time management section I really found it interesting that you can connect it with your own life. As you get older you learn how to better manage your time and all the tasks you are currently balancing. I think what helped get myself from my “high school” mentality to where I am today, was the fact that I worked through the processes of thought and the consequences of the actions.  As I’ve grown in myself and learned how to be an adult, I tend to forget that high school kids have not done that. My sister is still figuring out that transition and learning the responsibility and I tend to get frustrated with her. As a teacher, I need to remember that these kids aren’t as mature as I am and they don’t think the same way I do. I think with learning how I think and process things will help myself in the future so my students can benefit the most from any help I can offer them.