Learning & Teaching Styles
Discover how personality type influences learning preferences and teaching styles, and how understanding these differences can enhance educational experiences.
Take the Personality TestUnderstanding Learning Preferences
Many of the pioneering studies for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) instrument were done with high school and college students. These original studies, plus the ongoing data collected by colleges and universities worldwide, have resulted in a wealth of information about how personality affects learning and teaching styles.
"Type can tell us many things about the way people prefer to learn. An understanding of type leads to the appreciation that there are many different and equally valuable ways to learn."
What is a Learning Style?
Think of a "learning style" more as a "learning preference." The word "style" gives the impression that it can be easily changed. For example, today I like this style, tomorrow I may like another. Learning preference, as denoted by personality type, recognizes an innate, natural way of learning.
Natural Strengths
Your learning style does not limit you to one way of learning. What it can do is bring awareness to your natural strengths so that you may utilize them to give your best results. We all have a preferred way of learning—our natural way that makes the most sense to us.
How Personality Type Influences Learning
Type can tell us many things about the way people prefer to learn. An understanding of type leads to the appreciation that there are many different and equally valuable ways to learn. Type can also help you identify some of your strengths and challenges as you approach studying and learning.
All type preferences influence how a young person naturally learns, however Sensing and Intuition preferences seem to play a key role. Sensing and Intuition reflect the ways we pay attention to experiences and perceive what is being learned.
Students have preferred ways of learning, but so do teachers. And teachers often teach from that vantage point. When teachers and students understand the differences in their teaching and learning styles, communication and learning is enhanced.
A student's interests and ways of learning directly affect how he or she takes in information. This calls on educators to consider different teaching approaches, based on the needs of students.
How might type preferences show up in learning?
Extraversion vs. Introversion
Young people who prefer Extraversion might like projects that involve talking with others and being physically engaged with their environment, whereas someone with an Introversion preference might like projects that offer private or quiet time for reflection, where they can process their thoughts internally until they are more developed.
Sensing vs. Intuition
A person who prefers Sensing typically likes clear, detailed instructions, whereas someone who prefers Intuition tends to like a framework so they can do their own original, innovative work.
Thinking vs. Feeling
For students who prefer Thinking, classrooms organized in logical systems help them do better work, whereas one with a Feeling preference tends to do their best learning in a classroom that is warm and friendly with teachers who tune into emotional needs and deal with personal relationship issues.
Judging vs. Perceiving
For those who prefer Judging, clear plans and an organized classroom are necessary for them to do their best work, whereas a person with a Perceiving preference likes the flexibility to follow their curiosity and explore a variety of interests and experiences.
Learning Styles vs Teaching Styles
For example, teachers who prefer Intuition may give open-ended directions that provide a basic framework for the assignment but young people who prefer Sensing do better with clear instructions presented in sequential order. Issues can arise, as well, with teachers who give too many details and step-by-step directions to a child who prefers Intuition who just wants to do it their own way and build upon their many innovative ideas.
When the common language of personality type is understood, lesson plans can be tailored to meet the needs of all students. Teachers who know type can then approach the same lesson in multiple ways, appealing to the preferences of all their students.
Students whose preferences are different from those of a teacher may find it difficult to adjust to the classroom atmosphere and the teaching methods of that teacher. Teachers who vary their teaching styles after learning about personality type often find they can motivate and teach a wider range of students because they are developing diverse approaches that better meet the needs of all students.
Type Awareness for Educators and Support Staff
Parents & Teachers
Parents and teachers both have type preferences. When these differ, misunderstandings about what is considered acceptable behavior can occur without type awareness.
Learn moreSchool Counselors
School counselors can use type awareness to help maximize student success by promoting understanding, academic achievement, and emotional management.
Learn moreAdministrators
School administrators can create environments that support diverse learning needs and professional development opportunities for educators.
Learn moreBenefits of Type Awareness in Education
Student Benefits
Understanding personality type in education offers numerous benefits for students. When educators recognize and adapt to different learning preferences, students become more engaged and successful in their academic pursuits.
Type awareness also helps students develop metacognitive skills - understanding how they learn best and how to adapt their approach when necessary.
Educational Outcomes
This self-knowledge becomes increasingly valuable as students progress through their educational journey and into their careers. Students who understand their learning preferences can advocate for themselves and develop strategies that work with their natural tendencies.
Learning Style Spectrum
Understanding different learning styles can help educators create more inclusive and effective teaching strategies.
Learning Environments
Traditional Classroom
Structured environment with clear expectations and routines
Outdoor Learning
Nature-based education that engages all the senses
Digital Learning
Technology-enhanced education with interactive content
Collaborative Space
Team-based learning environments that foster cooperation
Hands-on Learning
Practical activities that reinforce theoretical concepts
Individual Study
Focused environments for self-directed learning
Discover Your Learning Style
Take our personality assessment to understand your natural learning preferences and discover strategies that work best for your personality type.
Take the Personality Test