Children’s Temperament is the way children respond to the world around them.
Temperaments which are personality traits encompasses emotion, cognition and behaviour.
On the other hand, learning styles are different from one child to another. Therefore, recognizing children’s temperaments, as they can influence their learning behavior which in turn can compel academic progress.
One way to understand the learning style of a child is by identifying the personality or temperament of such child.
Why is Temperament Important to Children’s Learning?
Understanding the importance of temperament to learning helps to discover children’s areas of learning strength and weakness.
Understanding a child’s temperament, which covers the faculty of intellect, inclinations, interests and aptitude, as well as his learning style is essential in helping him achieve success.
Temperament or personality is beneficial in developing the learning well-being of the child.
When the temperament of children is understood, parents and teachers would be able to direct and help them develop the best approach to learning.
Children are able to find their worth in society when their personality is identified.
Identifying a child’s personality helps in incorporating the right learning activity to enable them thrive in a school setting.
Categories of Temperament
There are two major categories of human temperaments, otherwise known as Personality. These are
- Extrovert
- Introverts
These two main categories can be further sun-divided into four, two for each.
1)Extroverts
The extroverted temperament are subdivided into Choleric and Sanguine. An extrovert is energetic and self motivated. He or she has the ability to share ideas and experiences and collaborate on group tasks and projects. The talkative nature of extroverts makes them seek attention always and collaborate effectively on group tasks.
However, they are weak at staying alone on a project.
Most school systems support the extrovert personality. For instance, an extrovert does not have challenges raising his hands to answer questions. Also, this personality is comfortable with leading in group tasks. Hence, when grading and assessing based on collaboration an extrovert may score higher.
2) Introverts
The introverted personality or temperament is subdivided into Melancholic and Phlegmatic. This category of personalities learn at their best in a quiet, reflective, solitary setting. They devote time to conduct research and findings. Introverts are great at independent learning because of their level of perseverance in staying longer on a task.
Contrary to what many think, introverts are not slow learners. They are actually excellent learners who internalize learning first. This comes from self discipline, and practicing healthy study habits.
Temperament Structuring Approach
Having the knowledge that too much interaction is draining to the introvert. Also, isolation is draining to the extroverted child. Teachers can structure their seating arrangements, lessons, and daily activities in order for both categories of personality to thrive and learn as much as they can.
This approach also aids in differentiation in learning.
How Temperaments Affect Learning Styles
Children’s temperament can influence how they engage in the learning process. Exposure to different learning processes helps children develop various skills.
Here are some ways temperament influences learning engagement;
✅ Children with high activity levels may prefer kinesthetic learning styles, where they can physically engage with the material, move around, and participate actively in lessons.
✅Extroverted children may prefer learning styles which have to do with; group activities, and discussions. Introverted children, on the other hand, may gravitate towards solitary learning styles, preferring quiet, independent study.
✅Children with strong emotional reactions may find it challenging to focus in busy, noisy environments. They might prefer quieter, more controlled settings, aligning with solitary or auditory learning styles to reduce distractions.
✅Children who are persistent and driven may excel in logical-mathematical learning styles, where they can tackle complex problems and puzzles. They might also be more inclined to engage in reading/writing learning styles.
✅Children with high active senses such as eye and ear, may struggle in environments with too much visual or auditory activities. They may prefer learning styles that allow for sensory regulation, such as reading/writing or solitary learning.
Learning about children’s temperament, and structuring lessons and activities so that each child can achieve the best of his or her potential is important. This is to help students succeed and also accommodate children with special Education Needs.
