Getting to Know You: A Self-Discovery Questionnaire

We ask students what and how they like to learn… but how often do we ask them how their nervous system learns best?

Here’s a simple “Introduce Yourself” questionnaire to go beyond hobbies and interests. It asks students about what helps them stay calm, what activates them, and what might make them withdraw.

My hope: it sparks awareness – for both students and teachers – that our nervous systems shape how we show up to learn.

Feel free to use, adapt, or share it. And if you try it, I’d love to hear what you discover.

Getting to Know You: A Self-Discovery Questionnaire

Welcome! This questionnaire is designed to help me understand more about you—your interests, your learning preferences, and how you navigate stress and challenges. There are no right or wrong answers. Just answer honestly!

1. About You
– What name do you like to be called in class?
– What are some activities, hobbies, or subjects that excite you?
– What is something you’re really good at or proud of?
– When you’re not in school, how do you spend your time?

2. Your Learning Style
– When you’re learning something new, what helps you the most? (Check all that apply)
☐ Seeing examples
☐ Hearing explanations
☐ Doing it myself
☐ Talking about it with others
☐ Writing or drawing about it
– What’s one thing a teacher can do to help you learn better?

3. Understanding Stress & Energy Levels
– What kind of situations make learning feel easier or more enjoyable for you?
– What kind of situations make learning feel more difficult or stressful?
– How do you know when you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or frustrated? (e.g., heart racing, zoning out, feeling restless)
– What do you usually do to help yourself feel calmer when you’re stressed or anxious?
– What’s something that a teacher or a classmate could do that would help you in those moments?

4. Social & Emotional Awareness
– What makes you feel comfortable speaking up or sharing your thoughts in class?
– What might cause you to become quiet or withdrawn in a group?
– When you’re feeling shut down or unmotivated, what usually helps you re-engage?
– If you could create the perfect classroom environment, what would it look and feel like?

5. Looking Ahead
– What’s one goal you have for yourself this year- inside or outside of school?
– What’s one thing you wish your teacher or classmates understood about you?
– If you could have one superpower related to learning or handling stress, what would it be?

Thank you for sharing! This information will help create a classroom where everyone can learn, grow, and feel supported