Today’s “Book Look” focuses on The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. You may recall her name from the New York Times Bestseller, The Happiness Project. She’s back with a new book focusing on the four personality types categorized by how we respond to expectations.
The Gist:
We all respond differently to expectations. Some of us jump to command when there is an outer expectation- something others place on us (like an appointment or deadline at work). And others do well with inner expectations (like sticking to a diet or exercise plan). Every decision and behavior then boils down to how we respond to expectations based on our “tendency”.
*I found out that I’m an “Upholder” which is probably why I’m choosing to create a blog during my summer vacation. I like to meet outer expectations from others, and the inner expectations I place on myself. While that comes as a strength to simply getting stuff done, it also places me at a high risk for burnout, because I’m always striving to do more. Hence… the reason for this blog.
What is your personality type and how does it affect YOU in and out of the classroom? You can find out your Tendency by taking the QUIZ.
Classroom Connection:
Our whole day is about setting expectations. You are expected to follow the standards and expectations set by your state/district/administrators. You expect your students to follow the procedures for the lesson. But what happens when you get the kid(s) who aren’t motivated to do the work? What tasks are you able to do at work but not uphold at home? That’s where The Four Tendencies comes into play.
Schools are typically made for Upholders and Obligers, just as many of us teachers came into the profession because we were “good students” willing to meet expectations placed on us. But how do we meet the needs of the Questioners and the Rebels who just need a little say in how they learn? I know quite a few adults who did not do well in school but are some of the most curious lifelong learners I know. When I start back in the fall, I’d like to add a level of assessment to my beginning of the year data. I’d like to figure out the tendencies of my students. Not to label or box them in. But to understand them. To figure out what motivates them. To adjust my classroom and my teaching to provide the best opportunities for each student to thrive. How will you get to know the tendencies of your students?
Side note- check out #BookSnaps by Tara Martin for more information on how to annotate your thinking as you read!