How Circle of Concern & Circle of Influence are Helpful in Learning
- Promotes Focused Effort
Students learn to stop wasting energy on things beyond their control (like exam dates or syllabus length) and direct energy toward what they can do (like practice, revision, asking questions).
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Many students worry about grades, difficult subjects, or tough teachers. By understanding the circles, they realize:
“I can’t change the exam, but I can prepare better.”
This lowers stress and builds confidence.
- Builds Self-Responsibility
It shifts the mindset from blame (“The teacher didn’t teach well”) to ownership (“I will try another way to understand”).
This encourages independence in learning.
- Encourages Proactive Learning
Instead of waiting for someone to solve their problems, students take initiative (extra reading, group study, online resources).
- Develops Problem-Solving Skills
Learners start asking: “What is in my influence? What action can I take?”—a critical life skill beyond academics
Are They Necessary to Implement in the Classroom?
Yes, they are very useful to implement, though not in a heavy or formal way. Here’s why:
Practicality: Students often feel helpless or overwhelmed; this framework helps them focus on what they can do.
Mindset Training: It trains students to think positively and constructively, which is essential for lifelong learning.
Teacher’s Role: Teachers can use it as a guiding principle to remind students: “Focus on your influence—effort, discipline, and attitude—rather than worrying about what you can’t control.”
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Visual Tool: Draw two circles on the board—concern vs. influence—and ask students to place examples from their studies.
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Reflection Activity: Before exams, let students list their worries, then separate them into the two circles.
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Ongoing Reminder: When students complain (“The test is too hard”), guide them: “That’s in your circle of concern. Now, what’s in your circle of influence?”
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Group Work: Make it an interactive exercise so they learn from each other.
In short:
These circles are not just helpful but necessary for building resilience, responsibility, and effective learning habits in students.