The influence of different polymer dosing methods on the batch settling of silica and alpha-alumina suspensions has been investigated using homo-, cationic and anionic Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) derivative flocculants of various molecular weights. Batch settling rates, turbidity and final volume solids fraction(Phi(final)) results are interpreted in terms of adsorption studies of the PNIPAM polymers onto the silica and alumina mineral surfaces. Optimal settling rates and turbidity outcomes for all polymers investigated were achieved when the polymer was initially added to suspensions below the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST, ~ 32oC) of PNIPAM with subsequent settling at temperatures above the LCST. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Harkins-Jura and Halsey adsorption models were fitted to show that such temperature treatments produce multi-layer adsorption. In contrast, Phi(final) is optimised by treatments that contained elements of either high agitation during polymer addition, or a final settling temperature below the LCST of PNIPAM. Information about dosage methods and adsorption of PNIPAM and derivatives using silica and alpha-alumina as model minerals will be useful in the targeted development and application of novel stimulant responsive flocculants.