General Learning Style (ENTJ)

Students with this learning style learn best by reading, exchanging and analysing ideas.

They have a thirst for knowledge and enjoy utilising it in the world around them, since for them knowledge is a route towards greater achievement. They prefer to learn in an intellectually stimulating atmosphere in which debate and problem solving are encouraged, and feel more comfortable when the learning is structured and has clear targets than when it is open-ended or involves play and experimentation.

They are good at conceptualising and abstract reasoning, though they may be less interested in acquiring facts and figures. They tend not to accept a teacher's authority without question, and will readily point out any inconsistencies in an argument or method.

As learners, they:

• are stimulated by ideas and quick to grasp possibilities
• enjoy challenges, problem-solving and achieving goals
• need to know why they are learning something
• are energised by competition
• enjoy teamwork and group activities
• are motivated by achievement and the quest for excellence
• may overlook facts and details
• may ignore their own feelings about what they are learning

They learn best when:

• given positions of leadership or visibility, for example giving presentations, organising team members etc.
• there is a focused and structured learning environment
• given the opportunity to explore or question assumptions, presuppositions and methodologies
• presented with logical, coherent arguments
• being set challenges and allowed to achieve them in their own way
• their teacher is respected for his/her intellectual or leadership abilities
• when set attainment targets
• encouraged to link what they are learning to their personal goals and ambitions
• when initiative, leadership and thoroughness are rewarded

They are challenged when:

• bonding with a team or group, or identifying with an institution, organisation or company is valued over independent thinking
• the learning is essentially passive, i.e. reading, observing others, listening to how something 'should' be done, taking notes
• required to work alone, for example reading, writing or reflecting
• the focus is on detail, completing and finishing tasks and perfecting techniques
• creativity, interpersonal relationships or personal growth is rewarded above decisiveness, leadership and determination
• being taught by 'rote' (i.e. repetition), or when given specific instructions or rigid guidelines

College Learning Style

Students with this learning style are natural leaders. Usually both frank and knowledgeable, they engage in projects to make their lives and others' more productive. They sometimes appear more confident than their experience can support. They organise what they can to accomplish long-range goals.

Choosing a Major Subject

• Tend to decide early and remain confident of choice
• Enjoy competitive challenges
• Often found in management positions, whether in schools, business, science, or health professions

Learning Preferences

• Want instructors to present material clearly
• Interested in models of how system works
• Stimulated by complex material
• Sees possibilities beyond their present studies
• Use knowledge to make things happen

Reading, Writing, Studying

• Like to establish a study schedule and follow it rigorously
• Will organise study groups and keep everyone on task
• Read practical material to learn how to be more efficient or productive
• Write first drafts expediently from a brief outline
• Need to revise final drafts by expanding on ideas presented too hastily, and qualifying overly blunt statements

Playing

• Like to attend athletic events and take charge of campus groups
• Prefer an organised, responsible, hard-working roommate
• Have trouble fitting dating into their busy schedule
• Are hard driving, even at play; like competition

Possible Causes of Stress

• Are frustrated by others who don't meet deadlines
• Impatient with those not willing to follow their well-made plans
• May put excessive pressure on self and others to perform
• May make quick decisions without enough information
• May not notice early signs of stress

Dealing With Stress

• Naturally one of the most assertive of the types in college
• Good at staying organised and feeling in control
• Need to be willing to rethink decisions and gather more information
• Need to listen to others instead of pointing out flaws
• Plan some time for recreational activity