This article (see link below) primarily addresses parenting, but we all know that understanding where a child is coming from - what their experience at home is, helps tremendously in the classroom. A child responds to adults based on two things; their temperament and their expectations. The article posits, based on a three year study that understanding and incorporating the temperament of the child is a huge factor in how they will respond to an adults style of discipline. This is key in the classroom, as the ability to focus and excel is directly related to their anxiety level.
I urge you to read through this article and ask yourself, as an educator 'how can I recognize and apply the temperament of my students to my teaching strategies?' Perhaps a brief survey at the beginning of the semester will reveal some clues about each individual.
Simple questions such as:
How would you describe yourself as a student?
What helps you learn?
What distracts you from learning?
How and where do you typically study? what is the environment like?
These open ended questions give the student a chance to tell you what they understand about themselves. This will give you an idea of their temperament and a little bit about what home might be like. If this does not provide you with enough information, by all means ask more!
Use these answers to your advantage! support each student by giving them the autonomy that they deserve and can handle. This will make your year so much more enjoyable.
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