Personality & Learning Styles

It is no question that everyone learns differently. Did you know that your personality can reflect the way you learn? Knowing your personality and natural tendencies in mannerisms and the absorbing of information can impact your success in college.

Learning styles are referred to as the characteristic ways in which a person gathers, identify, and process information. If the way the material is presented corresponds to your natural learning style then learning the material becomes easier and more enjoyable. Knowing your personality type gives you a window into understanding your learning style.

When I talk about personality type I am referring to the Myers-Briggs personality type indicators. More and more universities and employers are using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) not only so the individual can understand their personality type, but also so that students and employers can be more productive.

There are many benefits to a student understanding their own personality type. Students can understand and better deal with personality types differ from their own. A year ago, when people in my office took the test, better teamwork was established and people become more productive. Before the test, there was inner-office turmoil; teammates fighting amongst themselves because they didn't understand each other and different work styles.

Students can will have the ability to read other people, other students and instructors, better and recognize other personality types as such. For instance, an extravert may not understand an introvert's nature and think the latter is being difficult or doesn't like them. After taking the Myers-Briggs personality test and reading up on the different type of personalities, they can recognize an introvert as such and realize that they just operate differently without taking it personally. After understanding, the necessary steps to working together can be established.