Support Learners in Understanding Themselves

In order for learners to make high-quality decisions about their learning and truly be in community, they need to develop a strong sense of self. Who am I? How would I describe myself? What are my strengths? How do I learn best? As educators, we can support this self-discovery through use of frameworks, tools, and time for self-reflection and exploration.

This includes learners exploring what makes up their personality, their likes and dislikes as well as other ways to describe who they are such as their family background, their personal and family story and whatever else shapes their perspective.The more that young people (and adults!) are able to explore what makes them them and learn more about others the better they will be able to come together in community.

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Learner Self-Assessments

Students at Batesville High School in Indiana take the DISC Assessment to understand their strengths, motivators, and how best to engage with others.

Personality Tests

Miss G uses a Personality Test for middle school English students to better understand themselves. This one-pager is filled in after students complete either online 16 Personalities test or Personality Perfect. Please be aware that if you facilitate the 16 Personalities version, the results include a section on “Romantic Relationships;” you’ll want students to skip that.

Asset Mapping

Middle schoolers in San Diego, California created and shared Asset Maps, documents that illustrate their strengths along with examples that show how they use those assets for good in their lives.

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