As always, Brother Ivers has a way to relate the subject to examples I can understand and enables me to almost visually “see” what he is trying to convey from his colorful lessons. His lecture on “Attributional Tendencies” was no exception and it was interesting to learn how different people will view the trials and tribulations of life. As pointed out, assessing the behavioral needs of our future students will occur in any classroom, since this is a tendency that is shared by all, however, this issue can be of particular importance in the TESOL learning environment, as many of our students will have cultural inclinations we may not always be aware of.
Some misunderstandings or problems that may occur include students reacting in the exact opposite manner we would expect, which could lead to what we perceive as shutting down or the failure to take responsibility for their actions. In learning how these attributes may be viewed differently by others, I have a clearer understanding of how important it is to learn about my students in order to prevent these misinterpretations from impacting their learning environment. For example, when those who possess more Asian cultural propensities internalize criticisms, I know to gauge my words very carefully in order to keep their affective filter low. This knowledge of perceptual differences is also beneficial for my externally inclined students as “blaming” outside factors may their “default” tendency and not a desire to deflect at all.
This week I feel my home culture has been improved by learning more about the various ways a person’s culture and individual views shape their thought process and resulting behaviors. As knowledge of any kind is tremendously important and, as we know, the only thing we take with us, I can alter my own expectations to better reflect a more global context and use my understanding to reach the level of service and love my Savior desires of me. “Love one another” is one of the commandments I hold most dear and by accepting this charge, wholeheartedly, I can become the disciple I aspire to be.
References
ATTRIBUTION THEORY. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2019, from https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/A-Bud/Attribution-Theory.html (Image)
