I wanted to share a video that I saw on eHow, which introduces a theory called the fundamental attribution error. This extends the attribution theory both inside and outside of the classroom. It relates to the way that people assign characteristics to others in our daily lives (including the way that a teacher might assign a characteristic to a student). Here is the link if anyone would like to watch, but I’ll also summarize the main points (http://www.ehow.com/video_4756534_what-fundamental-attribution-error.html).
The fundamental attribution error states that the way we look at ourselves and the world plays an important role in how we look at other’s behaviors. If we are happy and fun loving, we will see others in a positive light; if we are depressed or sad, we will see those same characteristics in others. The main idea of this theory states that people tend to overestimate internal characteristics in others, and underestimate outside influences that might play a role in behaviors.
The way that I can relate this to my future teaching experiences, is to remember that what I see in a child’s actions at school (internal cues) is not encompassing everything that might be going on in his home life (external cues). I might think that a student is purposefully being rude to me or ignoring my requests, and attribute this to an internal characteristic such as laziness; but, without knowing if he is getting enough sleep, or if his parents are going through a divorce, I should not relate his actions completely to cues that I see as internalized.
Hey Michelle! This is something I have thought a lot about over the past year while co-teaching. There was a child in my 1st grade class who was extremely emotionally unstable, needy, and often lied about things going on in the classroom. At first, her behavior was irritating to me and I found myself losing patience quickly while interacting with her. When she was upset, no one could reason with her or calm her down. One time she even tried to run away. After talking with my mentor teacher about my concerns, she told me that the child's mom was mentally unstable and dad was absent. She also told me a few stories that allowed me to gain a new perspective of the child, this time viewing her with compassion. I her case the internal cues were the emotional meltdowns, while the external cues were an unstable home environment where she couldn't rely on anyone for support or even her basic needs.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this theory and video may have helped you get a better understanding of this little girl's actions. It really made me think back to a lot of the things that the students in Sabine's class did last year.
~Michelle