Enhancing Education through the Temperments.

Educational psychology has been a great interest of mine ever since my teenage years. I disliked the curriculum, mandatory testing style, and lesson structure. This led me to explore alternative options and methods, one of which was the Waldorf style.

The Waldorf style piqued my interest primarily because of the use of incorporating the idea of 'Temperament' in the teaching styles.

What is Temperament?

Temperament refers to an individual's innate, enduring, and consistent emotional and behavioral traits. It's the part of us that determines how we react to the world around us. In Unani Tibb, we broaden this idea by stating that it includes an individual's innate physiological structure and functioning as well.

While there are various temperament models, one of the most well-known is the four temperaments proposed by David Keirsey: Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, and Rational.

Each of these temperaments exhibits distinct characteristics, and understanding them can be a game-changer in education. Without, I would argue produces unneeded stress and anxiety in children, a sense of disassociation between the teacher and child. When the teacher is unable to tailor their teaching style to meet the child, miscommunication, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities for the child to thrive and flourish arise.

Let's look closer into what David Keisery proposed.

🛡️ Guardians are known for their practicality and organization. They thrive in structured environments, making them excellent at following rules and procedures. Educators can create clear routines and guidelines to help Guardians excel.

🎨 Artisans are creative and hands-on learners. They enjoy exploring concepts through experimentation and physical activities. Incorporating hands-on projects and interactive lessons can be particularly effective for Artisans.

💫 Idealists are driven by their values and emotions. They are empathetic and compassionate, making them great at understanding people. In an educational context, teachers can foster meaningful discussions and emphasize empathy to engage Idealists.

🧠 Rationals are analytical and logical thinkers. They excel in problem-solving and critical thinking. In the classroom, educators can present challenging puzzles and encourage Rationals to explore complex ideas.

From a Unani Tibb perspective, the Guardians are classified as the Melancholics, the Artisans as the Sanguines, the Idealists as the Phlegmatics, and finally, the Rationals and the Cholerics.

📚 Customized Learning Experiences

The striking significance of this then produces a Customized Learning Experience, that allows children to flourish in what they are naturally interested in and excel in. However, it does more than that too.

The temperament-based Curriculum also:

🤝 Enhances Social Dynamics

Understanding temperament goes beyond individualized learning; it also helps improve social dynamics within the classroom. By teaching students about different characters, we promote empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. This, in turn, cultivates a harmonious and inclusive learning environment.

✨ Encourages Self-awareness and Personal Growth

Teaching students about temperament fosters self-awareness. When individuals understand their temperaments, they can harness their strengths and work on areas that need improvement. This leads to personal growth and development, a fundamental goal of education.

One of the Greatest Merits of the Temperaments is the enhanced understanding of ourselves when we discover our unique temperament. Following the advice of Hippocrates, to 'know thyself', this then produces a culture of confidence, a more self-assured and vitalized individual. From a medical approach, this is mandatory, especially when aiming to tailor lifestyles and habits to meet our own needs and standards.

💡 Conclusion

Incorporating temperament into education is a powerful tool for educators and students alike. It allows for tailored learning experiences, improves social dynamics, and promotes self-awareness. By recognizing that each student is a unique blend of temperaments, we can create a more inclusive and effective educational system.

As we embrace the diversity of temperaments, we pave the way for a brighter future where education truly meets the needs of every individual.