 | Elyse Cyr |
Who am I? Understanding, and Utilizing Student's Personalities in the Classroom
Six years ago, as I walked across the stage to receive my college diploma, I remember the idealism that I had – I was going to change the world, one student at a time. Then I got my first job, and all those rose-colored dreams flew out the window. I was so overwhelmed with the needs of the classroom – lesson plans, grading, report cards, behavior plans, testing, learning curriculum, trying to make math and language arts and science exciting, and just managing 28 squirming second graders – that I couldn’t invest in my students the way that I wanted to, or even the way they deserved.
As educators, we are in this field because we care deeply for people. We want to influence others and positively shape their future. We want our students to succeed, to reach their maximum ability and realize their unique skills, talents, and gifting. But how do we accomplish this? How do I build into and help each student reach his or her full potential in a limited amount of time when there are so many others who deserve the same?
I have found that identifying, understanding, and utilizing the various personality types/characteristics of my students greatly assists me on my quest of empowering them to achieve their fullest potential while building into them and recognizing their value as members of the learning community. By doing this, I am able to care for each student as a unique individual, and help him or her on the journey toward independence. I have also discovered that when my students understand their strengths, they are then equipped with a deeper understanding of self and a great awareness of others.
People are designed on purpose and for a purpose. Each person has been created with a personality that is unique to him or her. While we may have some personality traits that overlap, no one is exactly the same as someone else. The set of traits unique to an individual gives him or her value as a human being, and in an educational setting, as a member of the classroom community.
So how on earth do you manage and utilize that within a classroom? How do you figure out your students’ personality types? And then once you do, what on earth do you do with that?
One tool that has been very beneficial in my quest to effectively meet the needs of my students is an assessment tool called the DISC assessment. The DISC theory of personality was initially developed by Dr. William Marston and later adapted into the DISC assessment by psychologist Walter Vernon Clark. While no one’s personality is exactly the same as another's, personality traits can be categorized into behavioral patterns. Using a series of questions and words, the DISC assessment identifies an individual’s personality profile, highlighting dominant personality characteristics. Most people end up with one personality type that is strongest, one that is secondary, and the two that have little or no influence.
In the DISC model, there are four personality categories. “D” stands for Dominance or Direct, and people with this personality type are responsible, leaders, who get things done and are natural problem solvers. The “I” stands for Influence, and represents those who are enthusiastic, creative, encourage others, and have a positive sense of humor. Those with the “S” personality type, Steady, have traits like being a good listener, team player, dependable, and kind. The “C” personality type stands for Correct or Conscientious, and those with this personality type are detailed, organized, goal setters, and are cautious. The DISC assessment is available both online and in print form. In doing a short Google search, you can find many free DISC test resources. There are many different types of personality tests and there are pros and cons to each of them. The DISC assessment is popular and has proven to be the most useful for both our students and our staff.
Our job as educators is a big one. At times, it’s downright overwhelming. But greater than the responsibility is the opportunity to build into and develop the lives of our students. By identifying, understanding, and then utilizing student’s personalities in the classroom you will empower them to reach their potential – in the classroom and in life.
For the benefits of incorporating personality types into your classroom, and four ways to do that in your classroom, check out Elyse’s article HERE.
Six years ago, as I walked across the stage to receive my college diploma, I remember the idealism that I had – I was going to change the world, one student at a time. Then I got my first job, and all those rose-colored dreams flew out the window. I was so overwhelmed with the needs of the classroom – lesson plans, grading, report cards, behavior plans, testing, learning curriculum, trying to make math and language arts and science exciting, and just managing 28 squirming second graders – that I couldn’t invest in my students the way that I wanted to, or even the way they deserved.
As educators, we are in this field because we care deeply for people. We want to influence others and positively shape their future. We want our students to succeed, to reach their maximum ability and realize their unique skills, talents, and gifting. But how do we accomplish this? How do I build into and help each student reach his or her full potential in a limited amount of time when there are so many others who deserve the same?
I have found that identifying, understanding, and utilizing the various personality types/characteristics of my students greatly assists me on my quest of empowering them to achieve their fullest potential while building into them and recognizing their value as members of the learning community. By doing this, I am able to care for each student as a unique individual, and help him or her on the journey toward independence. I have also discovered that when my students understand their strengths, they are then equipped with a deeper understanding of self and a great awareness of others.
People are designed on purpose and for a purpose. Each person has been created with a personality that is unique to him or her. While we may have some personality traits that overlap, no one is exactly the same as someone else. The set of traits unique to an individual gives him or her value as a human being, and in an educational setting, as a member of the classroom community.
So how on earth do you manage and utilize that within a classroom? How do you figure out your students’ personality types? And then once you do, what on earth do you do with that?
One tool that has been very beneficial in my quest to effectively meet the needs of my students is an assessment tool called the DISC assessment. The DISC theory of personality was initially developed by Dr. William Marston and later adapted into the DISC assessment by psychologist Walter Vernon Clark. While no one’s personality is exactly the same as another's, personality traits can be categorized into behavioral patterns. Using a series of questions and words, the DISC assessment identifies an individual’s personality profile, highlighting dominant personality characteristics. Most people end up with one personality type that is strongest, one that is secondary, and the two that have little or no influence.
In the DISC model, there are four personality categories. “D” stands for Dominance or Direct, and people with this personality type are responsible, leaders, who get things done and are natural problem solvers. The “I” stands for Influence, and represents those who are enthusiastic, creative, encourage others, and have a positive sense of humor. Those with the “S” personality type, Steady, have traits like being a good listener, team player, dependable, and kind. The “C” personality type stands for Correct or Conscientious, and those with this personality type are detailed, organized, goal setters, and are cautious. The DISC assessment is available both online and in print form. In doing a short Google search, you can find many free DISC test resources. There are many different types of personality tests and there are pros and cons to each of them. The DISC assessment is popular and has proven to be the most useful for both our students and our staff.
Our job as educators is a big one. At times, it’s downright overwhelming. But greater than the responsibility is the opportunity to build into and develop the lives of our students. By identifying, understanding, and then utilizing student’s personalities in the classroom you will empower them to reach their potential – in the classroom and in life.
For the benefits of incorporating personality types into your classroom, and four ways to do that in your classroom, check out Elyse’s article HERE.
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