What Happens When Cholerics Clash?
As a consultant on behaviors I am frequently invited to visit schools and classrooms where manifested behaviors are interfering with learning. It may surprise you to discover that many times the precipitating factors of the disruptive behaviors do not have their ultimate source in the student.
There are the usual factors to consider:
- socioeconomic status
- parental impression of the school system
- if the student is male, the presence of a strong male role model is key
- appropriate academic difficulty is also a factor
However, one factor is often overlooked.
The temperament of the teacher.
Yesterday I encountered just such a scenario. I was invited to offer some insight into the behaviors of students in the classroom of a personable African American male teacher at a school with a predominantly African American population.
On paper it was a perfect match. A strong African American male of similar background as his students introduced into a school who was proactively addressing the need for teacher who understand the cultural relationships of the children and community of his school.
Unfortunately, the reality of the situation was not achieving the conceptualized ideal. I was called in because some of the students (one particular stand out in fact) were rebelling against the teacher and creating a large upsurge in discipline related office referrals.
What I discovered after a very short period of time was the expected interaction of two high choleric temperaments.
The teacher was so intoxicated with the effects of wielding the near limitless power a classroom teacher has over his students that he was destined to self destruct. I felt as if I were an archaeologist uncovering the evolution of a benevolent dictatorship to a reign of tyranny.
At this point, you may begin to dislike the teacher. Remember, if you will, it would be just as logical to detest anyone with an addiction. The choleric temperament is extremely vulnerable to the lures of power.
The problem was eloquently portrayed in the reaction of a student in the class who was equally predisposed to the choleric temperament as the teacher. The manifestation was the systematic deconstruction of the student. As a choleric with no power he did what any choleric would do in his position. He began to develop a loss of rationality.
This in an of itself is not a situation which could not have been addressed by the teacher had he been aware of the signs. Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation with a choleric these are the signs for that loss of rationality that you can address before disaster arrives.
- Level 1 - Displays of Anxiety:
- pacing,
- fidgeting,
- keyed up,
- irritability,
- trouble concentrating,
- tiring easily
- Level 2 - Displays of Defensiveness
- denying responsibility
- making excuses
- disagreeing
- projecting ill will
- cross complaining
- table turning
- repetition of argument
- whining
- false smiles
- crossed arms
- body shifting
- Deteriorating Reason
- strange behaviors
- repetitive actions
- appearance of fear
- silliness/giddiness
- secretive
- suspicious behavior
- paranoia
- apathetic behavior
Have you seen these signs displayed in an oppressed choleric?