Type and Learning
Learning Design
In a modern learning environment, many designers find it a rewarding challenge to design e-learning that appeals to everyone.
One way of attempting this universal appeal is by using an understanding of type preferences to help plan learning. The e-coaches e-learning programme is based on an application of type theory to learning design.
Type Functions
We have established that type preferences are preferred, and not exclusive. This is demonstrated when it comes to analysing learning styles: the two type 'scales' which most influence development, paying attention to things and making decisions, are known as the 'functions' of perception and judgement. In other words, both ends of the type scale for living life are present in all of us.
The four functions (S and N, T and F) combine with the preferences for living life (J,P) to give four 'temperaments' (SJ, SP, NT, NF). These sort all personality types into four broad categories of learner:
| Temperament | Skills |
|---|---|
| SJ - known as 'Guardian' | Logistics - organising, planning, advising, assessing |
| SP - known as 'Artisan' | Tactics - preparing, operating, executing, motivating |
| NT - known as 'Rationalist' | Strategy - theorising, designing, directing, engineering |
| NF - known as 'Idealist' | Diplomacy - encouraging, mediating, clarifying, unifying |
Personality Choices
Type preferences are a measure of the choices we are likely to prefer in any given situation. The choices we make in the selection process of taking in and recalling information - what to remember, what to ignore? - mean that personality preferences are a good measure of personal development.
The design of a successful type e-learning programme will take this into account, being based on an awareness of the preferred learning choices of the students involved.
At e-coaches, we believe that the focus of the educational process should be on learners and their learning, rather than teachers and their teaching.
General, Not Specific
The answer, however, is not to design learning for each separate personality type, but to arm one's teaching with an awareness of the learning styles favoured by each personality preference.
For example, in a classroom,
- Es are likely to prefer involvement, activity, a dynamic environment
- Is will probably prefer peace, stability, time left alone to think
- Ss want to know the facts, the details, and will learn by active repetition
- Ns will ask 'why?', and need to be given room to theorise and speculate
- Ts need accuracy, clarity, and logic
- Fs thrive on praise and encouragement, and in an atmosphere of personal interest
- Js need structure, order, a timetable
- Ps get frustrated by being tied to a schedule
Summary
Allow learners to guide themselves through material. As a teacher, you may like to have a look at www.yourpreferences.net, a learning guidance tool - itself based on a set of choices - developed by e-coaches, that can be used by both you and your pupils to drive your understanding of their development and learning.
As well as taking time to look at the YourPreferences site, you may find it interesting to visit the BBC's online personality test, What Am I Like?
For more information on personality type, or on getting the most out of your or someone else's education, please Contact Us.