Relating-Inspiring Disposition: Need discussion, cooperation, harmony

This is one of the Dispositions that often gets in trouble for talking too much (and if combined with Performing Disposition could be seen as noisy, rowdy, pushy...).

 

What is the genius of the Relating/Inspiring person? This student is sensitive to others' feelings and often has a knack for showing empathy and for "taking care of" others. This student is tuned in to fairness and does best in situations that promote warm atmospheres and emotional support.

 

These students thrive on working with others in cooperation and harmony. Their sense of team working or "class spirit" is high. They often become involved in causes--from helping the homeless to saving the environment.

 

These students are often very interested in subjects that have to do with people. For example, history comes alive for them if they can learn it through stories or biographies. Science can become more interesting if they can learn about the inventors and scientists. In general, these students learn best when involved in activities that allow them to discuss, talk things out, and work on projects together.

 

When planning a school program for the Relating/Inspiring student, you can integrate the learning style needs with the various subjects. Try books, videos, or books-on-tape that offer stories about people related to a particular subject. For reports or projects, the student could act out a character, tell a story, become involved in community service, do interviews, work on a group project, and have discussions. If the student is in a traditional school setting, you can help at homework time by being available if the student needs to discuss or talk something out. Studying together with one or two other people can be helpful for this student.

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