The role of adolescent perceptions in personal and social education: A review of the literature

This paper reviews research in the area of worries and concerns, as expressed by young people, and explores its relevance to programmes of personal and social education. General areas of adolescent concerns are identified and prioritized and the possible influences of culture, gender, age and school type are discussed. The implications of the findings of such research for personal and social education in schools are examined and the methods for obtaining young persons perceptions outlined. Finally, uses of assessment methods in the context of personal and social education are proposed.