The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was first published in 1943 by Katharine Briggs and her mother, Isabel Myers based on the research and work of Carl Jung. The purpose of this tool began as an opportunity for individuals to understand themselves and each other better, identifying sixteen different personality types. Yet, it has grown to be used for a variety of additional purposes such as determining learning styles.

For learners, the MBTI demonstrates a preferred mode of motivation and interest in topics, confirms how individuals process and collect knowledge and information, in addition to pointing out learning preferences such as format, process and environmental predilections. Within the sixteen different types, distinct and effective learning methods are specified. Academic advantages and disadvantages are discovered to be associated with the type preferences in addition to writing styles (Myers, et. al., 2009).

The sixteen personality types is based upon the work of Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type which describes an individual’s personality within four dimensions: where attention is focused: extraverted (E) versus introverted (I); the method information is received: intuition (N) versus sensing (S); how decisions are made: feeling (F) versus thinking (T); and how individuals interact with the world: judging (J) versus perceiving (P). From each of these pairs, a personality leans toward one side, demonstrating a preference, creating a four letter code such as ISTJ (Myers, 1998).

Extraverts

Did you know that 49.3% of the population are extraverted? Their keyword when looking at their learning style is simply interactive. Extraverts, while learning, address the question, “Will be able to actively participate in my learning experience?”

Extraverts (E) are energized through interactions with other people. They love to talk, participate and socialize in nearly all situations. They are active and interactive. They think quickly while talking. Talking provides the ability for them to think through things, enhancing clarity and process information.

Extraverts jump into material quickly with little thought, preferring a trial and error methodology in learning. Quickly changing topics and activities helps to engage this type of learner as well as doing something active. They prefer to demonstrate their knowledge rather than write about their knowledge.

Extraverts prefer to focus on the general concepts, finding details tedious and overwhelming.

Introverts

Introverts compose 50.7% of the population. While learning, the keyword to recall with an introvert is reflective and they will address the question, “Will I receive sufficient time to reflect on this information?”

Introverts (I) are energized through quiet times of reflection to integrate new information and knowledge into existing schemas through scaffolding. Quiet is the keyword for the introverted learner as they focus on mental processing and observation.

Introverts desire to be understood but often lack the ability to speak up, sharing their impressions, thoughts and connections. They will figure out things and process completely before talking and sharing what they know.

They enjoy observing and listening. They will study for long stretches without need for interruptions and breaks. Working independently is their strength.

Intuitive

Within personality type, only 26.7% of the total population have the intuitive preference while 73.3% of the population use the sensing preference for their functioning pair. The learner keyword is innovator and the intuitive personality will like the answer to: “How will this help me solve a problem?” during any learning situation.

Intuition (N) learners are energized through new material, working through knowledge in brief spurts of energy. They are both creative and innovative within their learning process and with the knowledge they acquire.

They look for relationships, patterns and search for the general concept or big picture. Details and specifics are only recognized as they relate to a pattern or build upon an existing relationship. Many times details will simply be ignored.

Intuition learners search for patterns in knowledge, trusting upon their hunches while learning. They enjoy possibilities, innovations and describe things in a poetic manner. All original ideas and new facts inspire and energize them.

They are patient in learning and find errors or mistakes to be another learning opportunity. They will practice until perfection. They see possibilities and focus on the future applications of knowledge.

Sensing

73.3% of the population use the sensing preference within their personality type. Their learning keyword is detail-oriented. Sensing individuals, while learning, address the question, “How does this relate?”

Sensing (S) are energized through learning details, acquiring them almost as if they had a sixth sense. They rely very heavily on their five senses and will describe things in a most literal method.

Sensor prefer factual learning, structure and organization. They are careful, thorough and methodical in their approach to learning which must be based on factual, proven conclusions. Errors are simply not tolerated.

They like to memorize facts, figures and detailed information. Routine and detail are respected and preferred as well as useful information. They prefer to read.

Feeling

The feeling preference is found in 59.8% of the total population and their learner keyword is personal. Feelers, while learning, address the question, “How will this help others?”

Feelers (F) learn through focusing on human values and needs. They are quick to recognize human consequences to knowledge and information as well as swiftly relating ideas and concepts to personal experiences. They are quick to forgive, being peacemakers, and excel in counseling situations. They search for opportunities to praise others.

These learners need solid and well established relationships with teachers and other learners. Feelers work hardest in an atmosphere of personal relationships built on compassion, trust and respect. Information and facts are learned most efficiently by relating and connecting ideas and concepts to personal experiences.

Feelers are persuasive. They prefer to study what appeals most to them but also strive to please others.

Thinking

Thinking preference is 40.2% of the total population . Their keyword for learning is analytical. Thinkers, while learning, address the question, “How is this proved?”

Thinkers (T) rely on logic, analysis, values and principles above all else. Their actions and learning are based on objectives with precision and action-oriented reasoning. To learn most efficiently, they need a reason to do so. They love to be involved in problem solving and find flaws in materials.

These learners may seem impersonal at times in that they value justice, fairness and may be excessively blunt in their criticisms and sharing their opinions. They value logical consequences for everyone.

Accuracy motivates their learning which they will study until they master a topic or piece of information. They build learning on a foundation of standards, values and principles.

Judging

Judging preference is 54.1% of the total population . Their keyword for learning is overachieving learner. Judgers, while learning, address the question, “How does this create order in my life?”

Judgers (J) focus on rules and order above all else. They are decisive, self-regimented and planners, being task-oriented. They need the essentials. They create intricate, steady study plans, structuring study to avoid any emergencies. One assignment will be completed prior to another one starting.

Deadlines are sacred to Judgers. They will not be late. They are quick to take action, especially when a deadline is expected. They prefer to make a decision and move on.

Judgers answer questions based on their current knowledge but cannot tolerate loose ends and unanswered questions in their learning process

Perceiving

Perceiving is 45.9% of the total population with a keyword of curious. Perceivers, while learning, address the question, “How can I use this knowledge?”

Perceivers (P) are curious, adaptable and spontaneous. They improvise and love surprises. Even rules are flexible as well as deadlines with difficulty completing tasks due to a consistent ebb and flow of learning energy. They work on many tasks at one time, multi-tasking. They will postpone unpleasant tasks.

Perceivers work well under pressure being good in emergencies. They are open to new information, stimulated by anything new or different. They will seek out as much information as possible before answering questions or starting an assignment.

Would you like to know your preferred learning style associated with your specific personality type? You can find this information on my website: www.tracyharringtonatkinson.com; or my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/studentsuccessspacecom. This information is also available in paperback and digital versions.

Sources:

Myers, I. (1998). Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the MBTI Instrument. Consulting Psychologists Press.

Myers, I., McCaulley, M., Quenk, N. & Hammer, A. (2009). MBTI Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Instrument. Consulting Psychologists Press.