Grading also communicates the value that the study of the life skill of self-awareness is equally important as the study of math, science or the humanities. This adds up to approximately 12 class periods. During the first class the students are introduced to the idea of studying the Enneagram. Enneagram Made Easy by Rene Baron and Elizabeth Wegerle. It is normal for students to identify with several of the points.
Most students find one point they closely identify with.
I also tell them that they can change their point focus as any time, if other information strikes a chord with them. The perceived safety of the environment is probably the most important factor for the success of the class. Students must continually be made to feel comfortable talking about their personal observations of one another. This is a tough lesson for ninth graders to learn and takes good modeling skills on the teacher's part. We want to share information that helps us to understand how we can work better together when we realize our differences.