Problem 12 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Adler argues that brilliant children should be placed in regular school classes, and not in gifted classes, so they can accelerate the progress of less capable students. (a) What personal reasons might Adler have had for such a belief? (b) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Possible personal reasons for Adler's belief could vary from fostering empathy among gifted children to inspiring less capable students to improve. Formulating personal opinion can go either way, agreeing with Adler might stem from the belief of creating an enriching atmosphere with the presence of brilliant students. On the contrary, disagreeing could be due to the need for providing academic challenges to brilliant students, something regular classes might not offer.

Step 1: Understanding Adler's Perspective

This step involves considering potential personal reasons for Adler's belief about brilliant children being placed in regular school classes. These reasons might be related to promoting social interaction, fostering empathy in brilliant students, challenging the gifted children in an emotionally diverse environment, or Adler might believe that this would inspire less capable students to improve.

Step 2: Formulating Personal Opinion - Part 1

This step includes reflecting upon Adler's perspective and deciding if one agrees or disagrees with it. Each perspective has its own reasons, for example, if one agrees, they might believe that the presence of brilliant students can help in creating an enriching and interactive atmosphere in regular classes.

Step 3: Formulating Personal Opinion - Part 2

If one disagrees with Adler's perspective, they might feel that separate gifted classes are necessary to provide brilliant students the academic challenges they need to avoid boredom or under-stimulation in regular classes.