Introducing the animal kingdom—it's a jungle out there! - Pedagogy Saturday VI

American Music Teacher, Oct-Nov, 2002

Keith Golay, speaker

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far-away.--Henry David Thoreau

Science tells us that people are not as similar as we previously thought. It is now recognized that each of us has a particular genetic wiring which determines our temperament traits, our level of intelligence and our physical constitution. It is our temperament traits that determine the way we think, act, want and feel. These traits determine our special talents, emotional needs and the type of life we will find to be satisfying and fulfilling. These traits also determine our learning style and our teaching style. It is also understood that our environment does not determine who we are, but it can enhance or hinder the development of our temperament.

The study of temperament type (Keirsey, "Please Understand Me, II") shows people fall into four genetically determined types: The impulsive, spontaneous Artisans; the responsible, rule-governed Guardians; the analytic, theoretical Rationals; and the romantic, diplomatic Idealists. Each type presents a recognizable pattern of behavior.

According to Keirsey, the type of role one plays in relationship to one's family and one's peer group is related to the type of character one has. If you have any question about whether people do indeed have recognizable roles or styles of interacting, think of the times when you have looked at someone and said, "What's wrong with that person?" I have met many parents who say about one of the children: "He certainly is not like us," or "Where did this kid come from?"

Keirsey also states that as long as people are made to feel worthwhile, as long as significant others treat them in a manner that creates a sense of pride in who they are, people are productive and healthy. However, when people fail to do or be something they expect of themselves, they feel ashamed and thus inferior. At this point their behavior may become unproductive. And, depending on one's particular genetic make-up, the person will respond to the lack of a sense of being worthwhile and the feeling of being inferior in a way that is consistent with their character structure.

The following are abbreviated versions of Keirsey's types:

The Artisan Type. These people are impulsive. They want to be impulsive, for to be impulsive is to be alive. They value their impulses and enjoy feeling them and discharging them. These people also hunger for stimulation. They take great chances in order to gain the rush. The Artisan refuses to be tied down, and if they become burdened with responsibilities, if they feel life is too binding, they can become restless and have the urge to escape. This type is also the great performer. Whether in fine arts, performing arts, individual sports, hunters, gamblers--all these actions come from excited concentration.

The Artisan Child is highly active, easily excitable, likes taking risks and getting into mischief. They are playful and fun, and bold and daring. They constantly test the limits, and they want to be free to roam. Keirsey has labeled the Artisan Parent as a "Liberator." They take a hands-off approach and give their kids a great deal of freedom in what they can do. This parent is permissive and tends to be lenient. They under-supervise their children and can be impulsive and inconsistent with their parenting.

Some famous people of this type are Chopin, John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Marilyn Monroe, Evil Knevil, Elvis, John DeLoren, Michael Jordon and Tara Lipinski.

The Guardian Type. These people are responsible, stable and reliable. They seek to do what is expected and enjoy fulfilling their duty. They want to belong and act to establish and preserve social units. They are givers not receivers. They are the caretaker, not the cared for. They are as steady as a rock. Guardians are realistic, practical, reliable, protective and helpful to others. They are pessimistic about the future and tend to expect that "if something can go wrong, it will." For this reason, they have a "be prepared" attitude.

The Guardian Child is a conformer and is usually seen as a "good" child. They like to know what is expected and enjoy following the rules. They tend to be a good helper around the house and don't mind chores as much as other types. Keirsey calls the Guardian Parent the "Socializer." This parent focuses on teaching their kids to be responsible and respectful and to be good citizens. They expect their children to do what they are told, and to adhere to social standards. They tend to be overly corrective and directive. They encourage conformity and create routines and schedules for the kids.

Some famous people of this type are George Washington, Mother Teresa, Jimmy Stewart, Richard Nixon, Nancy Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Betty Ford.

The Rational Type. These people have a competence hunger. They want to be intelligent, to be able to do things well under varying circumstances. They get hooked on storing up wisdom. They want insight into problems and are thrilled with problem solving. This person is always looking for the most efficient and effective way to do things. Preferring such actions as inventing and planning, this type become great inventors and great thinkers.