Individual differences
Dissimilarity is principle of nature. No two persons are alike.
All the individuals differ from each other in many a respect.
Children born of the same parents and even the-twins are not alike
This change is seen in physical forms like in height, weight, colour,
complexion strength etc., difference in intelligence, achievement, interest,
attitude, aptitude, learning habits, motor abilities, skill.
Inter Individual Differences -
Inter individual differences are the variations or distinctions that exist
between different individuals or groups of individuals.
These differences can be seen across a wide range of attributes including
personality traits, physical traits, cognitive abilities, and socio-cultural
backgrounds.
Examples of inter individual differences
o Individuals may have different levels of intelligence, creativity,
logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
o Individuals may vary in height, weight, colour, and other physical
traits.
o Different individuals follow different cultures and each culture has its
own values and belief systems
Intra-individual differences-
Intra individual differences are the variations or distinctions that exist within
an individual over time periods. In other words, individuals may exhibit
changes in their behaviours, attitudes, or performance over time depending
on the situation.
Examples of intra individual differences-
o A student may perform well in one subject but struggle in another.
o An individual may have different hobbies at different stages of life.
o An individual may experience changes in their mood throughout the
day.
Types of Individual Differences:
1. Physical differences:
Shortness or tallness of stature, darkness or fairness of complexion, fatness,
thinness, or weakness are various physical individual differences.
2. Differences in intelligence:
There are differences in intelligence level among different individuals. We can
classify the individuals from super-normal (above 120 I.Q.) to idiots (from 0 to 50
I.Q.) on the basis of their intelligence level.
3. Differences in attitudes:
Individuals differ in their attitudes towards different people, objects, institutions
and authority.
4. Differences in achievement:
It has been found through achievement tests that individuals differ in their
achievement abilities. These differences are very much visible in reading, writing
and in learning mathematics.
These differences in achievement are even visible among the children who are at
the same level of intelligence. These differences are on account of the differences
in the various factors of intelligence and the differences in the various experiences,
interests and educational background.
5. Differences in motor ability:
There are differences in motor ability. These differences are visible at different
ages. Some people can perform mechanical tasks easily, while others, even though
they are at the same level, feel much difficulty in performing these tasks.
6. Racial differences:
There are different kinds of racial differences. Differences of environment is a
normal factor in causing these differences.
7. Differences due to economic status:
Differences in children’s interests, tendencies and character are caused by
economic differences.
8. Differences in interests:
Factors such as sex, family background level of development, differences of race
and nationality etc., cause differences in interests.
9. Emotional differences:
Individuals differ in their emotional reactions to a particular situation. Some are
irritable and aggressive and they get angry very soon. There are others who are of
peaceful nature and do not get angry easily.
Educational implications of individual differences-
The teacher should individualize his teaching given the differences among
learners.
Counselling techniques to be adopted by the teacher should be based on the
counseling needs of individuals because of individual differences.
The teachers should give assignments or responsibilities to individuals on
the bases of their capabilities.
The teacher should employ different motivation techniques in stimulating
the different learners’ interests.
The teacher should also endeavor to make use of a variety of teaching aids to
ensure that the message gets across to different learners and that their
attention is also secured.
Learners’ sitting arrangement should also be considered by the teacher, the
sitting arrangement should be such that, for instance, those learners who are
shortsighted (myopic) or are hard of hearing are to be seated in front of the
class or close to the loudspeaker where it is in use.
Group assignments should be given occasionally. The groups should consist
of individuals with different abilities. This enables relatively weak students
to learn from their peers.
The teacher should as much as possible avoid labeling learners, this could
lead to a lot of emotional discomfort to individuals labeled and such labeling
could lead to dislike for the teacher, school, and learning.
