Dispositions

Dispositions

Dispositions are goals that describe students' desired behaviors and attitudes as an outcome of their education. These goals address student development as a whole and relate to real-world functioning.

Typically, dispositions are large ideas that encompass many areas and skills. They often are included in student portfolios because they serve as a reminder of the long-range goals and behaviors to which students can aspire. For more information, refer to Dispositions as Educational Goals (Katz, 1993).

An example of a set of dispositions follows:

"Student Dispositions

Multiage students should possess or be in the process of developing the following dispositions:

The ability to evaluate their own learning and reflect upon their growth.
Recognize strengths and diversity in others.
Effectively communicate through oral and written language.
Display independence in applying a variety of learning strategies and use of resources to accomplish a task.
Be environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible members of the community.
Be responsible for self, property, and classroom duties.
Use appropriate social skills to work and accomplish a goal with others.
Have the basic skills to support learning and the accomplishment of higher level tasks.
Be independent thinkers who can respond critically to a variety of materials and perspectives offered through diverse media."

Text of Student Dispositions was developed by Debra Johnson and Suzanne Newman, 1996.

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